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-esteem Stress relief

Social Benefits Learn the challenges of winning and losing Instant group of friends Team building Learn how to deal with all kinds of people Foster collective thinking Develop 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 skills Improves long term thinking abilities Teamwork 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 winning Reconsider specializing Keep the long-term perspective in mind What can we afford in time, money and commitment? Keep the family in focus Make sure your teen has time to “just be a kid”

Encouraging Your Teen Be a good role model Be active as a family Don’t force them to play a sport Get involved Explore 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.com kidshealth.org ncaa.org