By Katina’s Klassroom Board Members
It starts with a simple sentence that catches parents by surprise.
“I don’t want to go to practice today.”
For some children, it’s just a rough day. For others, it may be the first sign that the sport they once loved is beginning to feel like work.
Across Mississippi, summer brings baseball tournaments, basketball camps, football workouts, softball practices and soccer clinics. While these opportunities help young athletes improve their skills, experts say too much of a good thing can sometimes have the opposite effect.
That’s why coaches and health professionals are encouraging families to remember one important word.
Play.
“Allowing children to explore multiple sports throughout the summer prevents repetitive motion injuries and keeps their passion for fitness alive,” said Dr. Syaid Abdullah.
He also recommends balancing organized sports with unstructured play, such as backyard games, swimming, riding bicycles or simply spending time outdoors with friends.
Children naturally develop coordination, creativity and confidence when they’re given opportunities to play without the pressure of competition.
Today’s young athletes often have packed schedules. Some move from one practice to another with little time to rest, especially during the summer months when travel leagues and sports camps fill the calendar.
While parents often sign children up with the best intentions, experts say over-scheduling can lead to physical exhaustion, emotional fatigue and a loss of enthusiasm for the game.
Burnout doesn’t happen overnight.
It usually develops gradually.
A child who once counted down the days until practice may suddenly seem tired, frustrated or uninterested. They may complain of aches and pains more often, become anxious before games or stop having fun altogether.
Those warning signs deserve attention.
Sports should challenge children, but they should also bring them joy.
Coaches across Mississippi are finding creative ways to keep practices engaging by mixing skill drills with fun competitions, team-building activities and games that encourage laughter along with learning.
Parents also have an important role.
Instead of asking, “Did you win?” consider asking questions like, “Did you have fun today?” or “What made you smile during practice?”
Those conversations shift the focus from performance to enjoyment and remind children that their value isn’t measured by a scoreboard.
Experts also encourage families to protect rest days.
Just as muscles need time to recover, young minds need opportunities to relax, recharge and enjoy being kids.
Sometimes the best training session isn’t another practice.
It’s an afternoon of swimming, tossing a Frisbee, playing tag or enjoying a family picnic.
When children continue to associate sports with fun, friendship and personal growth, they’re much more likely to stay active for years to come.
The goal isn’t simply to raise better athletes.
It’s to raise healthier, happier children.
Because when the joy stays in the game, everyone wins.
Coach’s Corner
Keep practices fresh and enjoyable by:
- Mixing drills with games and friendly competitions.
- Encouraging children to try different positions and skills.
- Scheduling regular water and rest breaks.
- Watching for signs of physical or emotional fatigue.
- Praising effort, improvement and teamwork every day.
Parent Play
Set aside one evening this week for unstructured family play.
Go for a bike ride, throw a football, play catch, visit a local park or simply enjoy time outside together without keeping score.
Children often create their favorite memories when adults let them play.
Champion Challenge
Ask your child one question after every practice this week:
“What was the most fun part of today?”
Their answer may tell you more than the final score ever could.
Did You Know?
Experts say children who participate in multiple sports are often less likely to experience overuse injuries than those who specialize in a single sport at a very young age. Variety helps develop different muscles, improves overall athletic ability and keeps physical activity enjoyable.
Coming Next
Raising Champions
Part 5: The Parent’s Playbook: How to Be Your Child’s Biggest Supporter
Discover why coaches say the most powerful voice a young athlete hears isn’t from the sidelines. It’s from the ride home.
Presented by Katina’s Klassroom: With Books You Can Go Places. #READ.
