AASP Blog for Athletes, Coaches, and Parents
Category: Parents
Sport Specialization and the Family: Examining the Effects Outside the Lines
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The landscape of youth sports has changed significantly in the last 20 years with the emergence of club sports and more athletes focused on developing elite-level skills rather than sport enjoyment.…
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Developing Passionate Athletes: The Role of Parents and Coaches
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Parents and coaches both play an influential role in developing and maintaining passionate athletes. Therefore, parents and coaches who better understand the development of passion can shape the experiences of young athletes from a more holistic perspective.
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Social Media Matters: Navigating the Ups and Downs of Online Presence
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Social media's presence has an undeniable impact in our lives and in the lives of athletes. Being that social media use is so prevalent, it is important to understand its advantages and shortcomings for well-being and mental performance amongst athlete populations.
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31-Day AASP Mental Wellness Challenge
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To celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month this May, AASP invites you to prioritize yourself by completing our 31-Day Mental Wellness Challenge: a series of daily tasks to bring mental health to the…
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Our Words Matter: Suggestions for Communicating With Young Athletes
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How can parents help - rather than hinder - their youth athlete's motivation and mindset? Keep reading for tips from a Certified Mental Performance Consultant® (CMPC) who works with young athletes and his own children to help cultivate self-determined motivation and accomplishment.
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AASP 30-Day Mental Health Challenge
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To celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month this May, AASP invites you to take part in a monthlong series of daily tasks and activities to bring mental health and self-care to the forefront of your mind.
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It’s Virtually the Same: Psychological Challenges of eSports Athletes
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Mental skills training might be particularly beneficial for eSports players who are expected to sustain focus and exercise their minds for 10-12 hours a day.
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AASP Mental Health Awareness Month Challenge
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In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month and as many seek support during the COVID-19 pandemic, join AASP for a two-week Mental Health Challenge!
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Motivating Your Kids During COVID-19 Homeschooling
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Parents and kids alike have been thrust into a unique situation as a result of COVID-19 school closings. Without organized sports and teachers to keep our kids active and educated, parents are finding themselves wearing many new hats. Try these tips to engage and motivate your kids as we all stay safe at home.
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The COVID-19 Pandemic: Tips for Athletes, Coaches, Parents, and the Sport Community
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Everyone in the sport community is feeling the impact of COVID-19. AASP wants you to remember we are all in this together, and has compiled a list of resources and tips to help keep you updated, cope with feelings of stress, and keep you safe.
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Three Questions to Help You Better Support Your Youth Athlete During Tough Sport Moments
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Regardless of the situation, tough moments in sport are hard for anyone. Your child is emotionally charged, and you’re left wondering, “How should I handle this?” While we can’t tell you exactly what to say in these situations, use these tips to start the conversation.. and definitely lend an empathetic ear.
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The Psychology of Young Athletes (podcast)
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Episode 21 of the Create An Athlete podcast sees co-hosts Stephen Edelson and Jerry Carino discussing the psychology of young athletes with 2017-2018 AASP President Amy Baltzell, author of "Whose Game…
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Freaked-out Kids in Sports: Keys to Stress Reduction
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A 20-year trend in youth sports emphasizes teaching coaches how to create a healthy psychological environment for their athletes. However, there’s also an important need to educate parents, so they…
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Understanding Student-Athlete Burnout
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There is a school of thought in American sport today that "more is better." Parents and coaches, perhaps dreaming of the spoils of athletic success, are encouraging kids at increasingly younger ages…
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How to Choose a Mental Performance Consultant
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Each mental performance consultant possesses a specific set of skills that defines the scope of their competencies. Thus, when choosing a consultant, it is important for athletes, coaches/parents, and…
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Disordered Eating and the Controlling Aspects of Aesthetic Sports
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Although there are several benefits to sport participation, achievement and performance pressures can be highly stressful especially in aesthetic activities such as gymnastics, diving, cheerleading…
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Signs of Body Image Disturbance, Disordered Eating, and Eating Disorders in Physically Active Adolescents
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Major Point: Seemingly healthy behaviors such as careful monitoring of food intake and regular exercise may actually be signs of body image disturbance, disordered eating, or an eating disorder in…
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Eight Tips for Communicating with Adolescent Athletes Immediately after the Game: Win or Loss
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Major Point: Eight ways parents can communicate with their adolescent children after games to enhance their relationship. Youth and high school sport has the opportunity to be a tremendous experience…
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