They say “too much of a good thing” can turn out to be a bad thing. Youth sports can certainly fall under that umbrella. One of the most common problems that a young athlete may face is burnout. Burnout is defined as the physical or mental (or both) collapse which is caused by overwork or stress. It can be a result from almost anything: a job, hobby, etc. Youth sports are no different. In a world where almost every sport is being played year round in an organized manner, burnout is following closely behind.
Parents need to act as a line of defense for their children and protect them from burning out. To do this, you need to know the signs and how to combat it.
Beware the signs of burnout
As the trend of year round youth sports continues, so does the increasing probability of burnout. Kids may not recognize the signs, even while they’re going through them. This is why parents need to educate themselves on the behaviors that accompany burnout.
If your child begins exhibiting any of these signs, burnout might be the culprit.
- Fatigue
- Decreased energy levels
- Increased frequency of illness
- Irritability
- Inconsistent performances in practice and games
- Disinterest in sport
These are the major indicators of an athlete experiencing burnout. Your child may not display all of them, but you should keep your eye out for any of these. In today’s age of over-involvement, the physical and mental hazards that come with burnout should be taken seriously.
As an aside, studies have shown that the highest age range for burnout in youth sports is ages 11 to 13.
How to overcome burnout
There are a litany of strategies a parent can use to keep their child happy and interested in playing sports. Whether your kid is an athlete that specializes in one sport all year, or plays multiple sports, burnout can strike if you aren’t careful.
Reduce play time
Probably the best thing you can do for your young athlete is to limit the number of leagues or sports they play. Never underestimate the power of a break. Make sure your kid has some time, basically an off-season, to relax and step back from playing organized sports. Playing all year long is both mentally and physically exhausting. In extreme cases, sitting out for a season might be necessary. Missing one season is better than quitting for good.
Free time is crucial
Let your child have some fun. Allow them to have free time to play and do what they want. Encourage them to get together with their friends often. Having fun with friends is one of the best ways to relieve stress.
Sit down and talk
Talk with your child about how they feel. Sometimes the biggest issue is not being on the same page. Make it clear to your young athlete that they don’t need to play. They should never feel like they’re stuck playing a sport. If they don’t enjoy it, give it up and try something else. Discuss how your kid feels about the whole situation. Most likely, they enjoy playing and aren’t feeling burnt out. You’ll never regret checking up on them every now and again. It doesn’t hurt to ask.
Shy away from specialization
For athletes specializing in one sport, encourage them to try another sport. Once the off-season hits for your child’s main sport, it might be helpful for them to play something else. Mixing things up can reinvigorate your kid. It also gives their body a break from the same motions and actions from playing their main sport. This will help prevent overuse injuries.
Talk with the coach
If you feel comfortable, you can discuss your concerns with the coach. Involving the coach can be a huge benefit. They can keep an eye on your kid during practice when you aren’t there. They might also be able to spot some of the signs of burnout easier than you because they are more directly involved with the ins and outs of the team.