"Don't force anything. The kid knows himself pretty well, and it's just never good to force anything. If it's really such a struggle, I would say definitely take that break. Don't be scared to do that. Don't be scared of failure. Trying new things will definitely give you a different outcome."
"When your child wants to quit something they're talented at, parents should first open a nonjudgemental discussion to collectively brainstorm solutions to any issues. Together, you might decide to continue until a certain date and see if feelings change, complete the session but not sign up for the next, or throw in the towel."
"You can ask if the activity is draining their bucket or filling their bucket. Taking a break from a rigorous sports routine can be beneficial in the end, as demonstrated by Liu's experience of retiring and returning with renewed passion."
Alysa Liu, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, stepped away from ice skating completely after the Beijing Olympics at age 16. She credits this break with allowing her to return to the sport on her own terms, resulting in the visible joy in her performances. Liu advises parents against forcing children to continue sports, emphasizing that kids understand themselves well and forced participation is ineffective. Psychotherapist Lynn Lyons recommends parents have nonjudgmental discussions with children wanting to quit, exploring whether activities energize or drain them. Solutions may include setting completion dates, finishing current sessions without re-enrolling, or taking breaks. Liu encourages young athletes not to fear breaks or failure, as trying new things can produce different and potentially positive outcomes.
#youth-sports-and-burnout #parenting-and-athletic-pressure #mental-health-in-sports #olympic-athletes #taking-breaks-from-competition
Read at TODAY.com
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