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