Quicksand Research Paper

There are many pressures that teenagers face today including bullying, popularity, academic pressure and self image. These pressures are understood to be some of the most dangerous pressures felt by teenagers. Student who participate in organized sports, however, have added pressures of their own. The Center for Kids First in Sports reports that 30-40 million children in the US compete in organized sports. The benefits of playing sports includes increased mental and physical health, healthy competition with peers and a sense of belonging from being part of a team (healthfitnessrevolution.com). Even though there are a lot of advantages, there are also disadvantages including physical injuries, pressure to perform and time commitment. (healthyliving.azcentral.com).

The advantages to playing organized sports, including increased physical and mental health, developing team working skills, healthy competition and just plain fun are all great reasons to go out and sign up for your favorite sport! However, the disadvantages, including the possibility of injury, pressure to perform and the overwhelming time commitment, can cause students to feel like they are sinking in quicksand. KidsHealth.com says that before signing kids up for sports, parents should consider the child’s personality and developmental level and how the sport will affect the student and the rest of the family’s plans. Considering the student’s personality and developmental level will help parents choose the right sport for their child and make sure that playing sports is positive for everyone. It is important for parents to consider the time commitment involved in playing a sport to make sure the student has time for other activities they may be interested in, homework, family and friends and time to rest. So, what happens when the pressures are adding up and enough is enough? Lucie Westminster, author of The Disadvantages of Children in Sports, reports that you can help a child through this by speaking to them about their self-expectations, as well as expectations from others. Encourage participation and dedication, but listen to children if they feel that the pressure is not something they can handle. Seek the help of a sports psychologist or counselor who is trained to help athletes deal with these types of pressures in a healthy and productive way. Follow these simple rules and you are on your way to success, greatness and fun in whatever sport you choose to