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Sign Up for Emails- Being a student athlete can also introduce stressors like performance pressure, self-doubt and time-management challenges that may impact mental health.
- Parents and coaches can model positive behavior, cheer for effort and sportsmanship, and avoid negative reactions to help create a healthy environment for young athletes.
- Adults should manage their own emotions during games by using calming strategies like mindfulness or taking breaks.
Resources for Sports
Participating in youth team sports can be good for children’s mental health.
You can help make that experience as positive as possible for your young athlete!
By having a good relationship with the team coach and a supportive attitude on the sidelines, you can help your child look forward to practices and game days. Make sure to check in with them often to see how they are feeling and if they’re feeling pressure to perform.
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Talking With Your Student Athlete About Mental Health
Having conversations with your young athlete about their sport, teammates and how they feel about their coach can help their mental health.
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Helping Youth Athletes Focus on Mental Health
- Talk with young athletes about their thoughts and feelings about their sport to understand their goals and whether they are feeling pressure.
- Focus on effort and goals for improvement rather than the outcome and give personal praise on skills to build a supportive team environment.
- Promote hobbies, other activities outside of sports, and time with friends to provide emotional balance and time for self-care.
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How to Work With Your Young Athlete’s Coach
Coaches play an important role in your child’s experience with sports. Learn how to foster a positive relationship with them.
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