Raising Young Athletes

In this book, Dr. Jim Taylor—an internationally recognized authority on sport psychology, child development, and parenting—offers a guiding hand to help parents ensure their children’s sports participation fosters nurturing experiences, encourages positive attitudes, and promotes healthy developments as they move toward adulthood.

Parenting Young Athletes tells readers exactly how to enhance the well-being of their children, both on and off the athletic field/court. The latest information on child development, sport psychology, and sports medicine is translated into a practical "how-to" guide that assists parents in assuring their sons and daughters get the most out of youth sports. The authors, seasoned experts in the field, thoughtfully address a wide range of issues including: -Promoting achievement in all areas of life -Choosing the right sport program -Understanding the unique nutritional needs of young athletes -Identifying, treating, and preventing sport injuries -Helping children cope with disappointment and performance anxiety -Applying positive principles of coaching and character-building -Addressing the special concerns of high school athletes -Recognizing and preventing bullying and abuse -Growing together as a family through sports Engagingly written, Parenting Young Athletes is targeted at parents of youngsters from elementary through high school years. Geared toward parents who have relatively little athletic experience as well as those who have a strong background in sports, the book provides clear recommendations with enlightening examples and real stories of growth-promoting sport experiences. Key concepts and principles are highlighted throughout. Parenting Young Athletes explores the joys as well as the dangers of sport participation and is a must-read for parents who hope to raise champions in sports and in life.

Joe Perconte offers practical strategies for parents, coaches, and sport enthusiasts on how to building confidence and motivation in young athletes.

“A powerful guide for both parents and coaches who want kids to have fun, enjoyable, and meaningful youth sporting experiences . . . I highly recommend it!” —John Ballantine, president and co-founder, Kids in the Game The modern-day youth sports environment has taken the enjoyment out of athletics for our children. Currently, 70% of kids drop out of organized sports by the age of thirteen, which has given rise to a generation of overweight, unhealthy young adults. There is a solution. John O’Sullivan shares the secrets of the coaches and parents who have not only raised elite athletes, but have done so by creating an environment that promotes positive core values and teaches life lessons instead of focusing on wins and losses, scholarships, and professional aspirations. Changing the Game gives adults a new paradigm and a game plan for raising happy, high performing children, and provides a national call to action to return youth sports to our kids. “Changing the Game is, well, a game changer. It explores in both depth and breadth the youth sports experience, its blood, sweat, and tears. Any parent who wants their children to gain the physical, psychological, emotional, and social benefits of what sport has to offer (and isn’t that every parent!) better read this book. It will make you a better sports parent, and it will ensure that your children get all the good stuff and avoid most of the bad stuff from participating in sports.” —James Taylor, Ph.D., author of Positive Pushing: How to Raise a Successful and Happy Child

America's children are joining and quitting youth sports in record numbers. If kids can't find the fun in an activity, they may try to find the way out. If an adult can't find the right tools, they may not know the right words to say or the right actions to take. In Raising Your Game, authors Ethan J. Skolnick and Dr. Andrea Corn present a guide adults can use to ensure the most enjoyable and enriching youth sports experience for a child. Through a combination of advice from more than 100 elite athletes and time-tested sports psychology concepts, Raising Your Game prompts parents to consider what really matters when it comes to their kids and sports. From LeBron James to Shannon Miller, Brandi Chastain to Jason Taylor, John Smoltz to Mary Joe Fernandez, Sanya Richards-Ross to Torii Hunter, athletes from across the sports spectrum discuss their setbacks and successes what worked for them and what didn't. Raising Your Game discusses the types of guidance that can ignite inspiration and foster participation, practice, and progress, and which methods can create frustration and dejection. It shows the difference a supportive parent can make by showing up, showing interest and, at times, showing restraint.

Troubled by what he sees as a competitive intensity in youth sports that removes the element of fun, baseball legend Cal Ripken, Jr., draws from his experiences as a father, a player, and a coach to provide insights and advice on playing well while still having a good time.

The determining factor in whether a child between the ages of six and seventeen enjoys athletics is his or her parents -- not the sport, coach, or team. Yet, parents are often unaware of how their behavior and expectations impact their child's experience. In 101 Ways to Be a Terrific Sports Parent, Dr. Joel Fish, a sport psychologist who is also the dad of three young athletes, shares both his clinical expertise and practical experience to help parents develop a deeper understanding of the many issues that surround the young athlete. For athletes of all skill levels, from Little League to high school, Dr. Fish discusses how to: •Help your child reach his or her full athletic potential •Develop strategies to deal with competitive pressure •Know if you're too involved or not involved enough •Interact successfully with your child's coach, and more With insights into the different developmental and self-esteem issues facing girls and boys, information on parenting a superstar athlete, and special tips for single parents, 101 Ways to Be a Terrific Sports Parent will help any parent make sports a memorable and happy experience for their child.