TEENS AND SPORTS Parenting Your Teen
TEENS AND SPORTS
Parenting Your Teen
Statistics• Over 7.5 million high school
athletes in 2009• High school athletes receiving
partial to full college athletic scholarships is less than .02 %
• Over 60% of college students participate in sports at some level
• A 1989 nationwide study by the Women’s Sport Foundation indicated that athletes do better in the classroom, are more involved in school activity programs and stay involved in the community after graduation
Health Benefits
Helps produce endorphins and adrenaline which lead to: stable moods, more positive feelings of happiness decreased feelings of depression or sadness.
Increased levels of physical fitness and endurance – healthier heart & lungs
Positive body image, self-esteemStress relief
Social Benefits
Learn the challenges of winning and losing
Instant group of friendsTeam buildingLearn how to deal with all
kinds of peopleFoster collective thinkingDevelop planning skills Surrounded by goal oriented
people
Academic Benefits
Teen athletes tend to have higher GPA’s
The top athletes are frequently top students
Time management and discipline skillsImproves long term thinking abilitiesTeamwork and strategy that
are focal to most sports are applicable as well to many academic areas
Setting, focusing on and achieving goals
Long Term Benefits
• More rounded college applicant• Potential athletic scholarship opportunities• Studies indicate that, as adults, high school
athletes were more likely than non athletes to: – Earn a bachelor’s degree or higher– Be employed full time – Participate in group sports/recreation
activities– Be non smokers– Have higher incomes
Finding Balance
Avoid focusing too much on winningReconsider specializingKeep the long-term perspective in mindWhat can we afford in time, money and
commitment?Keep the family in focusMake sure your teen has time to
“just be a kid”
Encouraging Your Teen
Be a good role modelBe active as a familyDon’t force them to play a sportGet involvedExplore non-traditional activities
Encouraging Your Teen Physical Activities for the Non-Traditional Athlete
• Martial arts• Hiking• Canoeing and
kayaking• Swimming• Running• Ultimate Frisbee• Dance• Weight training• Yoga• Bicycling
• Skiing / snowboarding
• Ice / Inline skating• Volunteering in the
community• Go-carting• Mini golf• Rock climbing• Skateboarding• Surfing• Fishing
What To Watch Out For
• Overuse injuries• Overemphasizing
special talent• Poor sportsmanship• Stress / Anxiety
– Headaches, nausea, inability to concentrate, angry outbursts
• Compulsive Exercise and Eating Disorders
• Some studies show teens who participate in athletics have higher rates of alcohol consumption than non athletes.
• Teen is no longer having fun, never practices independently, or feigns illness or injuries.
• Conflicts or jealousy between siblings over parental attention allotted to sports.
• Parental resentment over the cost of sports to the family, in money and time.
Resources
familyeducation.comkidshealth.orgncaa.org