Being a student-athlete can sometimes feel like putting on a juggling performance while riding a unicycle—exciting, but also potentially overwhelming. They balance academics, sports, social life, and the occasional existential crisis. As a parent or guardian, your role in this exhilarating journey is to be the calm in their storm, the coach in their corner, and, occasionally, the person reminding them to eat a vegetable. Here are a few ways to help your student-athlete achieve their goals while actually enjoying the ride.
Foster a Healthy Mindset
First, let’s talk about the brain—it's the real MVP. Encourage a growth mindset in your student-athlete by emphasizing effort over outcome. Sure, winning is fun, but so is learning and improving. Remind them that every mistake is a lesson in disguise, and every defeat is just a dramatic plot twist on the way to victory. Celebrate the small wins, like showing up to practice on time or remembering their water bottle. This will help them see their value beyond the scoreboard and cultivate a resilient spirit that can weather any storm—even the dreaded “losing streak.” And don’t forget to throw in some cheesy motivational words—because who doesn’t love a good “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” quote over dinner?
Prioritize Rest and Recovery
Ah, rest—the unsung hero of athletic success. If your student-athlete thinks they’re too tough for rest, remind them even superheroes need a day off. Encourage them to get plenty of sleep, eat like they’re trying to fuel a Ferrari (not a fast food drive-thru), and take time to stretch or meditate. Make sure they know that recovery is not a sign of weakness but a secret weapon. It's the difference between bouncing back after a tough game and hobbling around like they're 100 years old the next day. Encourage them to see rest days as strategic, not just a few lazy Sundays.
Promote Open Communication
Open communication is the key to unlocking all of life’s mysteries. Make it a point to regularly check in with your student-athlete. Ask them about their highs and lows, and be genuinely curious—not the “I’m asking because I have to” kind of curious, but the “I actually care about your weird team drama” curious. If they share their frustrations or concerns, resist the urge to fix everything right away (we know, it’s hard). Sometimes, they just need someone to listen, not a solution. And remember sometimes they might not want to talk about their athletic activities and that’s okay too.
Encourage Balance Between Sports, Academics, and Social Life
Ah, balance—the mystical unicorn of the student-athlete world. Yes, your child needs to train hard, but they also need to pass math class and remember they have friends outside of sports. Help them find a rhythm that makes time for sports, studies, and socializing. Teach them the art of time management—a skill more valuable than any trophy. Support them in setting up realistic schedules that factor in practice, homework, and the occasional Netflix binge. After all, all work and no play makes Jack a very tired, cranky athlete who will likely quit sports by sophomore year.
Be Their Cheerleader, Not Their Coach
It’s tempting to analyze every game like it’s the Super Bowl and you’re Tony Romo in the announcer’s booth, but take a step back. Your job is to be their biggest fan, not their second coach. Leave the technical stuff to the professionals and focus on giving them the emotional support they need. Be there to cheer them on, whether they’re scoring the game-winning goal or accidentally passing the ball to the other team (it happens). And when the post-game analysis starts, keep it positive. Ask them what they loved about the game, what made them laugh, or what they learned.
Seek Professional Support When Needed
Sometimes, even the best pep talks and motivational speeches don’t quite cut it. If your student-athlete seems more stressed than an unpaid intern, consider seeking professional support. A counselor or sports psychologist can provide tools and techniques to help them manage anxiety, maintain motivation, and keep things in perspective. Encouraging your child to talk to someone outside of the family can be a game-changer (and let’s be honest, it might save you from more eye-rolls than you can handle). Remember, asking for help is not a sign of defeat; it’s like calling a timeout to regroup and come back stronger.
Pleasantville Wellness Group
Supporting your student-athlete is like being the ultimate teammate—someone who’s always there with a high-five, a pep talk, or just a really good snack. It’s about helping them find joy in the journey, not just the destination, and reminding them that their value goes far beyond their latest performance stats. At Pleasantville Wellness Group, we understand the unique challenges student-athletes face. Our team of licensed clinicians is here to offer compassionate care tailored to meet the needs of individuals of all ages. Kat Sayegh, one of our clinicians, has a degree in sports and movement therapy and especially enjoys working with young athletes to support them in their personal and athletic endeavors. She specializes in sport and exercise psychology, mental performance, athletic injuries, physical and medical trauma, chronic illness and anxiety reduction. Whether your child is feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of sports or just needs a little extra guidance, we’re here to support them on their journey. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you and your family thrive!
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