They teach your kids teamwork, sportsmanship, determination, and humility. Sports have long been a cornerstone of good values, but many kids are dropping out of organized athletics. The biggest reason? They’re just not ‘fun’ anymore. According to a study by the CDC, high school sports participation is at a 30-year low, and it’s trending downward.
With so much pressure and competition in the world, it’s easy to forget to have fun. Athletes need to not only develop skills but also keep the joy in sports. Psychologist Tom Golightly called out five ways we can bring the fun back into the game.
Busting Myths About Youth Sports
Before diving into strategies to foster enjoyment, Dr. Tom Golightly cleared up some common misconceptions about youth sports:
1. Early Specialization Doesn’t Guarantee Success
There is no evidence to support the idea that focusing on one sport from an early age leads to better college or professional outcomes. In fact, many athletes who over-specialize often burn out and don’t continue playing through high school. “Over-specialization too soon doesn’t guarantee success,” says Golightly.
2. More Training Isn’t Always Better
A common belief is that more hours of practice equate to better performance. However, Golightly pointed out that youth sports injuries, especially those requiring surgery, are on the rise due to overtraining. “We’re seeing professional-level injuries in kids,” Golightly explains, “and these injuries can be avoided with proper training and rest.”
3. The Odds of Playing Professionally Are Slim
While it’s natural for young athletes to dream of going pro, the statistics are discouraging. Fewer than 10% of high school varsity athletes receive a college scholarship, and of those, only 1% will play professionally. For most, the pro career lasts only a few seasons. The focus should be on the process, not just the outcome.
5 Ways to Keep the Joy in Sports
Here are Dr. Golightly’s five strategies for parents to help their children rediscover the fun in sports:
1. Mastery Over Success
“The goal should always be mastery, not just winning,” Golightly advised. Training sessions and practices are just as important as games. It’s about improving skills, building confidence, and enjoying the process of learning. Kids will find more satisfaction in steady improvement than in chasing trophies that won’t matter in the long run.
2. Check-In and Invite the Fun
Regular communication is key. Parents should check in with their kids about their sports experience, particularly focusing on whether they’re having fun. Golightly suggested, “Go outside and kick the ball around or get some shots up together.” The idea is to have moments of play where the focus is on connection, not winning or losing.
3. Avoid Early Specialization
Golightly stressed the importance of allowing kids to play a variety of sports. “Cross-training helps avoid overuse injuries and builds general athleticism,” he explained. Keeping the schedule manageable is also crucial. Before high school, kids should not spend more than 20 hours a week on one sport, including games. Parents should also avoid allowing their children to play multiple sports in one season to prevent burnout.
4. Help Them Manage Emotions
Sport isn’t always about winning. Learning to handle disappointment and setbacks is part of the journey. Golightly suggested parents help their children work through challenges instead of stopping their sports involvement. “Normalize feeling pressure,” he advised. “Even the pros feel it. Teach your kids to recognize nerves as a signal to perform, not something to fear.”
5. Celebrate Small Wins
It’s easy to get caught up in big victories, but smaller achievements are just as important. Whether it’s improved skills, a positive attitude, or perseverance through a tough game, these wins should be celebrated. Encouraging kids to appreciate the little steps will help them stay motivated and, most importantly, continue having fun.
Sports should be about more than just competition. They should foster enjoyment, growth, and a sense of accomplishment. After all, the true value of sports lies in the memories made, the lessons learned, and the fun had along the way.
Add comment