Sports Specialization is Not Always a Good Thing
Christie Pearce Rampone, a two-time Women’s World Cup champion, three-time Olympic gold medalist, and former captain of the US Women’s National Soccer Team teamed up with sports neuropsychologist and brain health expert Dr. Kristine Keane to provide tips to sports parents.
The authors of “Be All In: Raising Kids for Success in Sports and Life,” in a recent Ultimate Sports Parent Radio interview addressed topics that include alleviating youth sports pressures, dealing with perfectionists, helping kids learn from mistakes and why to avoid specialization.
One of their most important messages for sports parents: Pay attention to what you’re saying to kids about sports on the sidelines and during the car ride home. The authors speak from experience: Both are sports moms.
“We like to educate parents about how kids develop their inner voice and critic, and how what parents say contributes to that,” says Keane.
Parents should be aware of their individual children’s personalities and relationships with sports, says Rampone. Some kids are more competitive than others.
“As a parent, you have to take a step back and be aware of how you are communicating with your child and what you truly want to get out of sports as a family,” she says.
Another important issue: youth sports specialization. “The number one thing we are seeing is pressure to specialize in one sport and train all year round in one sport,” says Keane.
When sports kids specialize, they lose free play, which limits their ability to decide which sports to play. Specialization also opens the door to overuse injuries, perfectionism and loss of social identity, she says.
“When you commit yourself to one sport at such a young age, you lose who you are as a person. You want to make sure you can take a step back and realize why you are playing that sport,” says Rampone.
Playing different sports exposes young athletes to different perspectives and environments, which is good for them socially and good for their self-image. Often, kids who specialize have their whole identity wrapped up in sports.
Related Articles on Kids’ Mental Game:
- Be All In: Raising Kids for Success in Sports – Interview
- Why Kids’ Identities Shouldn’t be All About Sports
- Getting All the Goodness Out of Youth Sports
*Subscribe to The Sports Psychology Podcast on iTunes
*Subscribe to The Sports Psychology Podcast on Spotify
Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World
We’re certain that, as a parent, you want to help your child develop confidence and discipline in sports and life. And as a sports parent, you’d love for your children to reach their potential in sports. But encouraging your child to strive for greatness without pressuring them can be a challenge.
You can get expert mental coaching with us from anywhere. Meet with us via Zoom, Skype, FaceTime or phone call. With today’s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe.
Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Session.
Find Out How Your Athlete Can Benefit From One-on-One Mental Coaching!