Empowering Youth in Sports

Youth mental health has been called a national crisis by federal and state leaders. Support mental health for young athletes

Empowering Youth in Sports

Youth mental health has been called a national crisis by federal and state leaders. Support mental health for young athletes

Supporting Youth in Sports

Mental Health Challenges Youth Athletes Face

Parental pressure in sports can negatively impact a child's mental health, leading to heightened anxiety, reduced enjoyment of the sport, and low self-confidence. According to multiple studies and statistics, the pressure parents put on their children can cause irreparable psychological damage to a young athlete. This pressure, stemming from excessive investment or unmet expectations, can cause stress, depression, and burnout, eventually causing young athletes to withdraw from their sport.

Why Parental Pressure Is Harmful

Loss of Joy: When the enjoyment of the sport is replaced by fear of disappointing their parents, children may stop finding it fun.
Perfectionism and Fear of Failure: High expectations can make a child prone to perfectionism, where even small mistakes are seen as failures.
Internalized Expectations :Children may internalize their parents' expectations as their own, even if the pressure is unintended.
Modeling Negative Behavior: An overly aggressive or anxious parent can influence a child to model similar negative behaviors, hindering healthy emotional development.

HOW CAN YOU TELL?

Symptoms of Parental Pressure

Increased Anxiety: Worries about failing to meet parental expectations can lead to constant anxiety, performance anxiety, and even panic attacks
Low Self-Esteem: A lack of confidence in their abilities can arise when they are not living up to their parents' demands
Burnout: Emotional and physical exhaustion, a decreased sense of accomplishment, and a loss of interest in the sport
Physical Symptoms: Stomach aches, headaches, and changes in sleep patterns
Behavioral Changes: Reluctance to participate, avoidance of practice or games, and DEPRESSION

DEPRESSION IN YOUNG ATHLETES

If untreated, depression in youth athletes can have long-term mental health implications.

Chronic Mental Health Disorders: Higher risk of recurring depressive episodes in adulthood. Development of co-occurring anxiety disorders or substance use problems.
Lasting Cognitive and Emotional Impacts: Impaired concentration, memory, and decision-making.
Social and Occupational Consequences: Difficulty forming healthy relationships. Lower academic or career achievement due to reduced motivation and focus.
Severe Risks: In extreme cases, untreated depression can escalate to suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

988 Lifeline

WHAT CAN YOU DO? ADVOCATING FOR YOUng athletes

It starts with protecting the athlete, educating parents, and empowering coaches.

Shift the culture from performance driven to development driven.

Focus on Effort and Enjoyment

Praise your child's hard work, sportsmanship, and progress, rather than focusing solely on winning.

Maintain a Positive Mindset

Encourage your child to learn from constructive feedback and maintain a positive attitude.

Communicate and Set Boundaries

Talk with your child about their experience and feelings, and help them learn to cope with pressure and negativity.

Respect the Roles of Others

Support coaches and officials instead of undermining them.

Prioritize Well-Being

Remember that the primary goal of youth sports should be the child's enjoyment, growth, and overall well-being.

LET'S CHANGE THE CULTURE OF YOUTH SPORTS!

Changing the Game in Youth Sports-"Each year in the United States 40 million kids play sports. Seventy percent of those kids drop out of sports by the time they are 13. Three out of four drop out before high school."

TED TALK-John O'Sullivan

How We Can Change Youth Sports Culture - "Our current sports culture is putting our kids in emotional and physical danger. The no pain, no gain and practice makes perfect mottos are myths. Let's focus on the three F's: Fun, Fitness, and Friends and let kids be kids."

TED TALK-Heather Bergeson

Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel: The Norwegian Way - "Nordic skiers in Norway do not learn the time of their races until age 12."

HBO-Bryant Gumbel

REFERENCES

Baker, R. (2022). Survey shows NH second nationwide for children’s health and well-being, but mental health challenges are large. The Laconia Daily Sun. https://www.laconiadailysun.com/news/local/survey-shows-nh-second-nationwide-for-childrens-health-and-well-being-but-mental-health-challenges/article_24d49ab4-18ec-11ed-87a3-a32c562edd0e.html

CatchMark Sports - West Michigan Sports Network. https://catchmarksports.com/the-pressure-cooker-overbearing-parental-behavior-in-high-school-sports/

Children’s Behavioral Health Resource Center. (2025). Families & youth. https://childrensbehavioralhealthresources.nh.gov/families-youth

I Love to Watch You Play. (2024). I love to watch you play. https://ilovetowatchyouplay.com/

Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2024). Student athlete mental health: tips for parents and coaches. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/student-athlete-mental-health

Mahamed, R. (2024). Parental pressures on young athletes — mending playbook. The Mending Playbook. https://www.themendingplaybook.org/mental-health/parental-pressure

Memphis Youth Athletics (2024). How athletics affects your child’s mental health. https://memphisyouthathletics.org/how-athletics-affects-your-childs-mental-health/

Raeth, B. (2024). Disturbing trend of unhealthy parental involvement Athletics (The Pressure Cooker).

Advocating for youth feeling parental pressure in sports

Empowering Youth in Sports

Empowering Youth in Sports

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