NORTH DAKOTA ( KXNET ) — Sports experiences, especially positive ones, are a game changer for kids. According to a survey from The Kids Mental Health Foundation , the physical, social, emotional, and mental health benefits can last a lifetime.

However, advocates want to stress the importance of conversations with young athletes about how sports are impacting their confidence, self-esteem, and happiness.

In the survey, parents value the benefits of playing sports that build confidence and a sense of belonging rather than those that are associated with stress and burnout.

The biggest benefits include teamwork, friendship, and joy, while the competition and aspirations to play at a higher level are not as important.

“Competitiveness is an indication that our kids are driven and motivated, which is wonderful, but we also need to ensure they have balance in their lives and that they continue to find enjoyment in playing sports,” said Nationwide Children’s Hospital Pediatric Psychiatrist Dr. Cathy Butz, PhD . “Helping them navigate their emotions or decide when it’s time to take a break lets them know that you’re really in their corner and are there to support them.”

About 60 million kids are involved in youth sports across the country, but by the age of 13, 70% of them quit — usually because of overscheduling, excessive training, and the pressure to perform.

Adults can combat this by making sure kids know that their success is not measured in wins and losses, and that conversation should start early and be checked on often.

This can also teach young athletes how to manage their emotions when playing sports.

“It’s important for parents to open the lines of communication and then listen for signs that their child is feeling too much pressure or stress,” Dr. Butz explained. “Kids often just need a break, been from a sport they love, by having other activities in their lives that allow them to destress and reset daily. Help your child to identify other things in their life that are important to them, and schedule some time to allow them to unwind, take care of themselves, and balance other important priorities like academics.”

The first is the hardest, and that’s starting the conversation, so here are three tips to keep in mind.

• Help them open up about the pressure and how they’re coping by asking questions.
  • Examples: “What kind of thoughts go through your head before a big competition?” or “How do you talk to yourself when you make mistakes?”
• Words for encouragement matter, don’t use words that put them down, but rather use words to uplight them.
• Find reasons to praise their effort or skills. It’s easier when celebrating, but even more important after a loss or poor performance. Congratulate them and list how each person improved in practice or the match.

You can find conversation starters here .

The survey was conducted by Ipsos was done in March 2024, and polled 539 adult parents of kids under the age of 18.

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