Parental Involvement in Youth Sports and Activities

Engaging in sports and extracurricular activities offers opportunities for your child(ren) to have fun, learn healthy habits, build developmental skills, and develop social ties with adults and peers in your community. From an early age, you may want your child(ren) to participate in various leagues, teams, and/or clubs as you seek to determine their interests. However, when your child(ren) is(are) engaged in multiple sports and activities, you may have to get creative in determining your level of involvement with each activity. Consider how you will support your child(ren)’s interests while carving out time for other events and activities (e.g., your personal hobbies, family time, work commitments). Building structure into your routine can help you and your child(ren) thrive. The information below can help you explore ways your family can benefit from engaging in sports and activities. The information can also guide you as you develop and implement actionable steps to incorporate time-management strategies into your family’s busy schedule.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Is the activity developmentally appropriate for your child(ren)? Ensure your child(ren) has(have) developed the physical, mental, and social skills to participate in the activity. Your child(ren) may not be ready for organized sports and activities until they are about 6 years old (Healthychildren.org, 2019).

How well does(do) your child(ren) manage their regular responsibilities? Consider the impact of sports and extracurricular activities on your child(ren)’s homework time, household responsibilities, and other commitments.

How involved does(do) your child(ren) want to be in the sport or activity? Learn your child(ren)’s interests by communicating openly with them and observing their behaviors. This will help you understand their motivation to participate in each sport or activity.

How much time are you willing to invest? Ask the organizer(s) and other parents about expectations for the sport or activity. For example, many youth sports and activities require parents to serve as coaches or provide snacks. You may also be required to attend all practices, games, and performances.

How flexible is your personal schedule? Consider your day-to-day life, and determine how your work responsibilities, errands, and/or household tasks could impact your ability to support your child(ren)’s sports and activities.

Who will transport your child(ren) to and from practices, games, and performances? Devise a plan with your coparent, if applicable, or with the other members of your support network. Perhaps the parents of your child’s teammates would be willing to share transportation responsibilities with you, especially if you experience a scheduling conflict.

Have you explored the activity’s associated costs? Review your budget to determine if you can afford the associated and necessary fees and equipment.

How will your child(ren)’s free time or rest/leisure time with friends and family be impacted? Know your limits and your child(ren)’s limits, and prioritize your family. For example, you may decide that it is necessary to allow your child(ren) to miss practice sometimes. Be sure to observe your child(ren)’s behavior(s) for signs of burnout such as decreased interest or enthusiasm. If your child(ren) exhibit(s) imminent or present burnout, it may be time to reevaluate their participation (Brenner & Watson, 2024).

What will the effect be on your family’s plans for vacations and other family endeavors? Having quality time as a family is important to strengthen relationships between family members. Schedule time, at home and away from home, to connect with your family. Do your best to honor the time dedicated to being together. Discuss, as a family, if an important event or activity interferes with your planned family time, and decide on a solution.

Tips for Being a Supportive and Involved Parent

  • Diversify your child(ren)’s options for sports and activities when/if possible.
  • Communicate openly with and actively listen to your child(ren).
  • Allow your children to gravitate to the sports and/or activities of their choice, and follow their lead when they show preference(s).
  • Lead by example, and show respect to your child(ren)’s coaches and instructors. In doing so, your child(ren) will learn how to appropriately engage in their chosen sport and/or activity.
  • Avoid criticism or blame with regard to your child(ren)’s abilities and/or performance, and help your child(ren) learn from mistakes or losses.
  • Help your child(ren) build skills, and do not focus on wins and losses.
  • Refrain from pushing your child(ren) beyond their capabilities and expecting perfection.
  • Resist the urge to relive your “glory days” or your aspirations through your child(ren).

Tips for Managing Your Family’s Time and Schedules

  • Develop ground rules and expectations as a family (e.g., seasonal activities, transportation, practices).
  • Outline estimated times for each family member’s activities (e.g., homework, practice, chores).
  • Create a shared family calendar or master schedule.
  • Determine which games or performances are important to your child(ren), and ensure those instances are prioritized.
  • Decide, as a family, which family and/or community activities are important to you (e.g., family vacations, worship services, charitable events), and prioritize them.
  • Develop “rules” for adding new activities to the schedule, and commit to them.
  • Be intentional about scheduling rest and downtime for you and your child(ren).
  • Pay attention to your child(ren)’s behavior(s), and set limits as needed.
  • Share the load with other parents (e.g., snacks, carpool), and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
  • “Tag-team” and split responsibilities with your coparenting partner if applicable.
  • Store equipment in a consistent location (e.g., tote, shelf) to minimize or avoid the stress associated with attempting to find equipment at the last minute.
  • Develop a plan for meals and snacks that your child(ren) may require between practices and performances.

Additional Resources

Moving to Thrive

Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd Edition

Establishing an After-School Routine (blog)

Choosing the Best Sports for Your Child (blog)

References

Anzilotti, A. W. (2019, February). Signing kids up for sports. Nemours KidsHealth. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/signing-sports.html

Borelli, S. (2024, February 6). 70% of kids drop out of youth sports by age 13. Here’s why and how to fix it, per AAP. USA Today. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2024/01/22/70-of-kids-drop-out-of-youth-sports-by-13-new-aap-study-reveals-why/72310189007/  

Brenner, J. S., & Watson, D. (2024, January 22). Burnout in young athletes: How to keep the fun in sports. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/injuries-emergencies/sports-injuries/Pages/Too-Much-Too-Soon-Overtraining.aspx  

Folsom, J. (2020, January 2). Your kid isn’t going pro: The working mom’s sanity check on youth sports. MSNBC. https://www.msnbc.com/know-your-value/your-kid-isn-t-going-pro-working-mom-s-sanity-n1108956  

Gavin, M. L. (2021, January). Fitness for kids who don’t like sports. Nemours KidsHealth. https://app.nemours.org/kh-article/en/parents/hate-sports.html  

Greater Philadelphia YMCA. (2023, September 27). How to choose a youth sport for your child.  https://www.philaymca.org/news/tips-for-choosing-the-right-youth-sports-program-for-your-kids  

Healthychildren.org. (2019, October 8). Is your child ready for sports? https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/sports/Pages/Is-Your-Child-Ready-for-Sports

Healthychildren.org. (2020, December 30). 11 ways to encourage your child to be physically active. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/fitness/Pages/Encouraging-Your-Child-to-be-Physically-Active.aspx  

National Academy of Athletics. (n.d.). Parent’s role in youth sports. https://nationalacademyofathletics.com/parents-role-in-youth-sports/  

Porter, K. (2003). Do’s and don’ts for parents of young athletes. Association of Applied Sports Psychology.  https://appliedsportpsych.org/resources/resources-for-parents/dos-and-donts-for-parents-of-young-athletes/  

Stricker, P. R. (2019, May 20). Parenting an athlete. Healthychildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/sports/Pages/Parenting-an-Athlete.aspx  

U.S. All-Star Federation. (2021, September 27). Back to school and sports: Time management for parents and young athletes. https://blog.usasf.net/thisisallstar/back-to-school-and-sports-time-management-for-parents-and-young-athletes  

YMCA of Greater Brandywine. (n.d.). 10 ways to be a great youth sports parent. https://ymcagbw.org/blog/10-ways-be-great-youth-sports-parent  

Unplug and Unwind: Strategies for Sleep Success

In today’s techy world, one can easily become absorbed with using screens. While technology offers numerous benefits to users, like readily available educational resources, communication tools, and entertainment options, it also has shortcomings, such as disrupting sleep behaviors for children and adults. Using screens constantly, especially before bedtime, can impact children’s and adults’ sleep patterns and quality, and some families may find it challenging to get the rest they need. Let’s discuss how screen time can impact our sleep patterns and discover alternative strategies that promote relaxation and prepare our bodies for rest.

The Impact of Screens on Sleep

Children

Blue light from smartphones, tablets, and computers can disrupt the body’s sleep-wake cycle by reducing melatonin production, which is a hormone that is vital for regulating sleep (AlShareef, 2022). Children’s brains are still developing, so they are particularly sensitive to environmental stimuli and the blue light emanating from screens. Furthermore, content on digital devices is intentionally designed to keep individuals engaged, and this may keep children alert for longer periods of time and make it difficult for them to relax and drift off to sleep. Research indicates that screens in the bedroom, whether actively used or not, are linked to insufficient sleep, poor sleep quality, and daytime sleepiness (Carter et al., 2016).

Teens and Adults

In addition to disrupting circadian rhythms, using electronic devices before bedtime may cause increased tiredness, stress, and symptoms of depression in adults (Lastella et al., 2020). Adults and teens may feel compelled to stay connected and responsive late into the night for various reasons including work or school responsibilities and other societal pressures. In fact, this situation could blur personal boundaries and heighten fears of social exclusion (Saling et al., 2016). Viewing mentally stimulating or emotionally taxing activities before sleep, such as scrolling through social media, responding to emails, or binge-watching shows, can further hinder relaxation, especially if the content is negative or distressing.

Tips for Families

To help counteract the negative effects of screen time on sleep patterns, consider implementing the following strategies:

  • Set electronic curfews: Pick specific times when screens must be turned off.
  • Create screen-free zones: Designate bedrooms as no-screen zones so, when individuals are in them, they are free from digital distractions.
  • Explore the Thrive Professional Resource guide for more tips on managing screen time and sleep guidelines.
    • Sleep guidelines – page 9
    • Family Media Action Plan – page 17

Transitioning away from screens might be initially challenging for members of your family, but doing this can help promote better sleep and strengthen your family connections (Mindell et al., 2018). Here are some soothing alternatives for your family’s nighttime routine:

Remember, finding a balance between using screens and relaxing can help your family be happy, healthy, and rested! So, consider prioritizing activities that help you and your family unwind as bedtime approaches and connect offline!

References

AlShareef, S. M. (2022). The impact of bedtime technology use on sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness in adults. Sleep Science, 15, 318–327. https://doi.org/10.5935/1984-0063.20200128

Carter, B., Rees, P., Hale, L., Bhattacharjee, D., & Paradkar, M. S. (2016). Association between portable screen-based media device access or use and sleep outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Pediatrics,170(12),1202–1208. http://doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2016.2341

Heo, J., Kim, K., Fava, M., Mischoulon, D., Papakostas, G. I., Kim, M., Kim, D. J., Chang, K. J., Oh, Y., Yu, B., & Jeon, H. J. (2017). Effects of smartphone use with and without blue light at night in healthy adults: A randomized, double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled comparison. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 87, 61-70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2016.12.010

Lastella, M., Rigney, G., Browne, M. & Sargent, C. (2020). Electronic device use in bed reduces sleep duration and quality in adults. Sleep and Biological Rhythms, 18, 121–129. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41105-019-00251-y

Mindell, J. A., & Williamson, A. A. (2018). Benefits of a bedtime routine in young children: Sleep, development, and beyond. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 40, 93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2017.10.007

Saling, L., & Haire, M. (2016). Are you awake? Mobile phone use after lights out. Computers in Human Behavior, 64, 932–937. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2016.08.006