Parents, it’s that time of year again. Back to school is upon us and soon your athletes will have to balance a life of school work, socializing and sports activities. Here are some schools in session survival tips to keep yourself and your athlete in check during the school year.
- Remember the first rule of sports parenting: Your kid isn’t LeBron James. Rec-league and even travel-league play should be about working hard, listening to coaches, learning the game, being a good teammate and having fun.
- School work first, sports second. In fact, some organized sports associations or schools require grades to be submitted before and during game season.
- Active time should come before screen time. If you make activity a physical priority so will your kid. Parents lead by example. Get out of the house with them. Take a bike ride, throw the ball around, shoot some hoops with your kids. Schedule time every day for physical activity.
- Unless you’re the coach, you’re not the coach. Let your kids learn to be taught their chosen sport by their coach. While sometimes hard to put your child in the hands of the instructor, it will teach them to appreciate the coaching process that all kids learn when they participate in their chosen sport.
- If you’re not your kid’s team’s volunteer parent coach, ask how you can help the person who is. It doesn’t mean you will have to spend hours on the practice field; contributions of time or energy are always welcome, in any increment and shows your athlete you are dedicated to volunteering for their organization.
- The best advice of all: Relax. Seriously, your kid isn’t earning or losing the scholarship based on performance on a random fall Saturday soccer field overrun with third-graders. Enjoy watching your kid do something they love and something you love to watch your child do.
Exercise has been medically proven to improve memory and focus. Whether it is performance training, playing a specific sport, or just getting outside for some activity, kids can benefit physically and mentally by staying active during the school year.
Please check out our programs to help your kids stay active this school year.