As I write this, I am preparing to lead my Foundations of Exercise class in a discussion about Youth Fitness and Exercise. We will address such questions as: “What are the health concerns facing American youth today?”, “How does our approach differ from adult exercise?”, “How do individual, environmental, and task constraints differ from adults? How are they the same?”, and “How do we confront the physical activities facing today’s youth and encourage them to be more active?”
Frankly, our kids need to be more active! Physical education is increasingly restrictive in our school systems. Schools almost seem to want to see our kids be less active. My daughter only has to walk to the end our cul-de-sac to catch the bus—and there is a second stop at the other end of the very block on which her bus stops! In my profession (and as a parent), that just seems nuts.
Sports tend to be the only outlet for youth physical fitness. In more than a few, there is an ever-increasing push to specialize early. Club sports, in particular, increasingly demand more of the children’s time and calendar. I am no fan of sport specialization (and the literature backs this up). It is most important that children be involved in as many diverse sports activities as possible for broad physical development.
Preadolescence should be focused of general physical preparation (GPP) and development of motor-related skills and athleticism. They should be playing multiple sports and/or playing physical games for fun. Coaches should not be playing the kids into shape. Ideally, there should be at least some preseason conditioning. I also recommend that parents seek out a qualified sports performance coach (not a specialized sport or technical coach) to help with over all GPP—when they athlete is emotionally and physically ready. Lifting weights under the supervision of a qualified professional is safe—when the child is ready. Proceed wisely. Focus on technique and foundational movement skills. There will be time to life heavy when they are ready.
Push the schools to bring back a substantial program of physical education. Exercise with your kids (they learn their best habits—and their worst—from the parents). Encourage–don’t push—your kids to be active and participate in sports. Start them early in qualified programs—programs that introduce the child to the sport and emphasize skill development. Most importantly, let the child fail. Let him or her try things and make mistakes—this is how they get better and develop a passion for sport and lifelong physical activity.
Don’t be overly protective. Let the child run, climb, and play. Sure, they will get an “owwie” from time to time, but that is part of being a kid.
Follow the child’s lead. If they like a sport, support them. If they don’t, don’t force them. (I would require that they finish out the season and their commitment to the coaches and teammates, but they should not be forced to sign up the following season. I believe in teaching a child to honor his/her commitments. Quitting is not an option. Exploring the opportunities in sport should be encouraged.) Youth sports should be about learning who the child is and what they like. Youth sports are about growing (Spiritually, Physically, Intellectually, Emotionally, and Socially). Youth sports are not about the coaches or parents.
Youth sports should not add to the child’s insecurities and self-doubts. Encourage your child—win or lose (or learn). Never ridicule the child’s performance. As well, never give the child excuse—teach the young athlete to take responsibility of his or her performance. Teach the child to show up (game and practice) and give a best effort. Teach: be your best today; be better tomorrow!
There is nothing wrong with high expectations, as long as they are grounded in reality—not in the delusions of the parents. Teach the child the importance of effort and teamwork. Most importantly, make sure they have fun!
Carpe momento!