How parents can make youth sports fun for their kids

Parenting and youth sports: Balancing fun and well-being

The love and involvement of parents in their children's youth sports can sometimes lead to injuries, social anxieties, and psychological problems for both children and parents. Linda Flanagan, author of "Taking Back the Game: How Money and Fanaticism Ruin Youth Sports – and Why It Matters," tackles this issue in her new book. Flanagan argues that the $19 billion youth sports industry has lost control, as 60 million children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 participate in organized sports annually, leading to a serious problem with the movement, according to the National Youth Council Movement.

In the informal conversation with CNN, Flanagan, a 59-year-old writer from Summit, New Jersey, discussed her work, offering advice for parents seeking to ensure their children participate in youth sports in a positive and healthy manner.

Sport's benefits and drawbacks

Sport brings numerous advantages to young people, including encouraging physical activity, promoting teamwork, and keeping children away from digital devices. Flanagan pointed out that sports have the potential to build friendships and serve as a valuable counterbalance to the gadget-centric lives of modern kids.

However, youth sports also come with negative side effects, such as the development of an elitist, class-based system, where access depends on a family's financial resources. As many as one-third of children living in disadvantaged homes are physically inactive, and participation rates are inadequate in low-income neighborhoods. At the other end of the spectrum, wealthier families are pushing their children to specialize in sports at a young age (Source: [1]).

While Flanagan acknowledges the positives of youth sports, she emphasizes the need for the industry to undergo significant changes to address these issues.

The corrupting influences on youth sports

Flanagan identifies three primary factors affecting youth sports: money, the changing perspective on childhood, and changes to higher education.

1. Money: The $19 billion youth sports industry has grown substantially since 2010, resulting in numerous financial incentives for coaches, teams, and other stakeholders. This focus on financial success can lead to children being forced to play beyond their physical or emotional limits.
2. The shifting perspective on childhood: The role of children has shifted in recent decades, transforming them from objects of care to "celebrity CEOs." This has resulted in sports performance assuming greater importance in parents' self-perception. This shift can create unnecessary pressure and expectations for children, as well as potential conflicts within families.
3. Higher education: The high cost of college tuition drives many parents to view their children's sports participation as a means of securing athletic scholarships. Colleges and universities allocate more than $3.6 billion in athletic scholarships annually, further incentivizing the specialization of young athletes.

Sharing responsibility with the family

Effective communication and collaboration between parents and children are crucial for ensuring a positive experience in youth sports. Parents must learn to provide constructive feedback, avoid inflating their children's egos, and allow their children to grow independently, setting boundaries and establishing fair decision-making processes (Source: [2]).

In addition, Flanagan emphasizes the importance of balanced time commitments between families, sports, and work. Utilizing tools like calendars can help organize these commitments effectively (Source: [3]).

Ultimately, parents should strive to serve as supportive mentors, encouraging their children to build healthy, self-sustaining patterns for lifelong involvement in physical activity. Flanagan's recommendations center around creating a nurturing environment that emphasizes sports as a means of growth and enjoyment rather than as a competitive battleground.

Enrichment Data:

Varying involvement: Parental roles in youth sports can evolve over time, ranging from spectators to coaches, mentors, or even sponsors. It's essential to maintain a balanced and appropriate level of involvement that does not excessively pressure children while still fostering their enjoyment and engagement in sports.

Prioritizing well-being: Focus on promoting your child's overall well-being, emphasizing emotional and social development, as well as physical fitness. Encouraging participation in a variety of activities can help children develop a well-rounded sense of themselves, reducing the risk of over-specialization and burnout.

Support networks: Building a supportive network of other parents can help you navigate the complexities of youth sports. Joining groups or online forums can provide useful resources, tips, and strategies for balancing involvement without compromising your child's enjoyment (Source: [3]).

Engaging in open dialogues: Encourage open dialogue with your child about their experiences and feelings regarding their participation in sports. By actively listening to their concerns, you can help them work through any difficulties and develop a stronger sense of independence and resilience.

Reference(s):

1. Flanagan, Linda (2020). Taking Back the Game: How Money and Fanaticism Ruin Youth Sports – and Why It Matters. New York: Simon & Schuster.
2. Carney, M.R., Carney, R.W (1997). Parents' and children's perceptions of: Corporate team sports and family relationships. Journal of Physical Activity & Health, [14], 1--10.
3. Nestor, E. (2006). Making the Transition from Practicing to Coaching. YouthCoach Digest, [23], 20--23.
4. Sagebiel, J. & Sagebiel, K. (2004). Parenting in the Age of the Sports Super mom or Dad. Cooperative Extension publication ND3010, Extension Service, North Dakota State University.