Basics

Saying Goodbye To Baseball

Her son's decision to retire from baseball at the ripe old age of eleven to focus on football was tough to take, says one mom, but eventually shock and denial gave way to acceptance.

Sports Are Great For Kids, But Too Much Comes With Risks

The benefits of sports participation are numerous, says Lyle Micheli, M.D., Director, Division of Sports Medicine at Children's Hospital Boston, including improved physical fitness and opportunities for socialization.  Parents should help their child find a sport they enjoy, but too much sports can result in psychological burnout, physical injuries, and turn the child off to physical exercise.

Youth Sports Is About Far More than Wins and Losses

I recently received an e-mail from a hockey parent in Vermont that was so powerful, I wanted to share it:  

Hi Hal

An email from a hockey parent and coach puts winning versus having fun in its proper perspective.

The Best Thing Tom Brady, Sr. May Have Done For His Son: Nothing

Yesterday, I had a chance to talk with Tom Brady, Sr. in his Boston office. Yes, that  Tom Brady. Father of  New England Patriot quarterback Tom Brady.

It was actually the second time I had had a chance to talk with Tom.  The first time was at a seminar in Harvard Square a year or two back in which he was on the panel. This time we had a chance to talk at length.  I came away with a much better understanding of the "recipe" he used in raising a super hero: not only an elite athlete, but a wonderful person, too.Tom Brady and Tom Brady, Sr. embracing

The best thing Tom Brady's father may have done for him was not talking to his college football coach at the University of Michigan about his son's lack of playing time.

Kids Who Delay Sports Specialization More Coordinated and Physically Fit, Study Finds

Boys participating in more than one sport before age 12 are more physically fit and have better gross motor coordination than those who specialize in a single sport early, says a new study.  Whether the reason is because they play multiple sports or because the best athletes choose not to specialize early is unclear.

Peak Performance In Classroom And Sports: Ways Parents Can Help

There are several ways parents can help kids achieve peak performance in the classroom and in sports.

Choosing A Sport: A Family Decision Weighing Risks and Benefits

Choosing a sport should be a family decision, says Lyle Micheli, MD., Director, Division of Sports Medicine at Children's Hospital Boston, involves many factors, including injury risks and benefits and whether it is a lifetime sport. 

Athletic Success: An Accident of Birth?

If your child plays hockey or softball and is celebrating a birthday this month, congratulations, your kid is very lucky!

Why is that, you may ask?

Numerous studies have shown give kids in sports where teams are grouped by age born early in the age-group year (January for hockey and softball, May for baseball, and August for soccer) a number of advantages over their younger teammates.  Should success in sports really depend on the month of an athlete's birthday?

Advice to Sports Parents: Stress Fun, Building Skills

With the increasing focus in youth sports on success, a sports psychologist and former elite short track cyclist says parents should emphasize practice to play, leaving their expectations at home on game day, and being motivated by a desire to have fun, not achieve results.

Support of Parents Key To Athletic Success

Four-time Olympic medalist Angela Ruggiero says she owes everything to her parents, whose support, not just in making sure she got all the equipment she needed and to practice but ate the right kind of food, was a key to her athletic success.
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