Is Your Childs Relationship with Sports Healthy?

The list of professional athletes who began their journey to greatness at a young age is extensive, featuring names like Tiger Woods, the Williams sisters, and Wayne Gretzky. If you see your child thriving in sports, it’s only natural to wonder, could they be the next standout athlete?

This brings up further concerns: Are they under too much pressure to succeed? Are they overtraining, experiencing stress, or struggling with self-confidence?

Rebecca Soni and Caroline Burckle, both Olympic medalists, encountered similar challenges throughout their swimming careers. They understand that the path to success can be arduous for young athletes. The physical and mental demands of high-level competition can be overwhelming, particularly when balancing academic responsibilities as well.

This understanding led them to establish RISE Athletes in 2015.

Elevate Your Game

RISE Athletes pairs young athletes with Olympian mentors. This initiative supports youth in enhancing their training, going beyond traditional coaching methods typically found in schools.

Each pairing is based on multiple factors, including the athlete’s learning style, personality, and aspirations. Often, they are matched with an Olympian who specializes in their sport.

Weekly mentoring sessions occur on RISE’s online platform, enabling both the athlete and mentor to join easily via video call by logging into their dashboard.

RISE aims to boost young athletes’ self-awareness and help them manage anxiety. Additionally, a nutrition expert is available to assist with dietary guidance.

As Soni explains, “Having been Olympians ourselves, we understand the pressures athletes face—especially in high school and college. The difference between engaging in sports for enjoyment and facing intense pressure can often lead to anxiety and depression.”

RISE aims to strike a balance, fostering a healthy environment where young people can experience the benefits of an active lifestyle and success without succumbing to the overwhelming pressure to perform.

Guidance for Parents

While every athlete’s experience is unique, Burckle mentions some common signs indicating an athlete might be struggling with negative feelings about their sport. These can include expressing disinterest, frequently comparing themselves to others, or displaying signs of fear, resentment, or unhappiness.

“These doubts are normal. It’s essential for athletes to know that their feelings are valid,” Burckle advises. “Maintaining open communication with your child is crucial, allowing them to explore their feelings without judgment.”

RISE offers a complimentary guide for parents with practical advice for navigating these situations. (Visit rise-athletes.com and select “Get the E-book.”)

RISE emphasizes the importance of how you praise your young athlete. Instead of focusing on their overall performance with phrases like “You’re the best,” spotlight specific behaviors or strategies contributing to their success. For instance, say, “You did an excellent job passing the ball to Jen by using the correct footwork and having great follow-through.”

Another key point for parents is to refrain from making performance comparisons with other athletes. Children of the same age can be at significantly different stages of development, making such comparisons misleading and potentially harmful.

If your athlete encounters difficulties with their coach, Burckle underscores the importance of communication. Encourage the athlete to articulate their perspective and then discuss how the coach might view the situation. Identifying commonalities and differences can foster constructive dialogue. Scheduling one-on-one meetings off the field can also prove beneficial.

“Such communication promotes self-awareness, which is empowering for the athlete,” Soni adds.

Four Mantras for Athletes

For young athletes managing school alongside rigorous training—and who may feel overwhelmed by these demands—Rebecca Soni and Caroline Burckle recommend keeping the following words and strategies in mind.

Awareness. Find balance by clearly understanding how much rest and recovery you’re incorporating relative to your training intensity.

Sleep. Instead of sacrificing sleep for schoolwork, prioritize getting sufficient rest and wake up early to tackle tasks with a refreshed mindset.

Community. Focus on the present: ensure you appreciate your immediate surroundings and the people in your life, rather than obsessing over what others are achieving.

Grace. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unwell, allow yourself to take a break. Athletes often ignore their bodies’ signals. Grant yourself the grace to rest, and you will achieve your goals.

Are You Being Left Out, Parents?

Your health and fitness are just as important! Balancing your child’s athletic practices with healthy habits can be challenging. Incorporating even a few minutes of activity daily can make a significant difference. Here are some suggestions:

• Display a photo of an athlete who inspires you on your fridge or in a visible area for daily motivation.
• When dropping your children off at practice, consider parking farther away to incorporate more walking.
• Find a workout partner to keep you motivated, especially on less enthusiastic days.
• Schedule your own workouts like you would an important meeting—no one needs to know you’re at a BodyPump class instead of a lunch meeting!