Does Your Child Suffer from Sports Burnout?
What can a parent do to encourage kids to play sports as long as possible?
- Don't expect too much from 5 to 10 year-olds. Muscle coordination, dedication and attention span are not hone until middle school. Physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially, young children are still forming.
- Establish a love of sports before harping on technique. Make sports fun for young children. Make up new games; mix and match rules from different sports; use the wrong ball; cheer and give extra points for mistakes.
- Familiar faces. A shy child can be slow to bond with strange players but be enthusiastic about a game of street baseball or backyard basketball with the family. Invite neighbors and schoolmates to play. Kids enjoy the no-pressure atmosphere of a friendly pick-up game.
- Reward knowledge. Especially for older children, acknowledge when a player demonstrates a pump fake, or holds off on a bad pitch, or runs a precise pattern. Sincere praise from parents is the ultimate reward for more serious players.
- Challenge experienced players. Practice the parts of a sport that your child would like to improve. For example, help a basketball player with free throws. Being there when he or she finally hits three or four shots in a row is priceless.
- Stay active. A high-schooler who can't find an opening on a crowded high school team can try out for a different sport, or simply continue enjoying sports with friends and family.
posted by Jane
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