Fall and winter sports are upon us bringing new skills, exhilarating events, and hectic family schedules. While staying active is essential for physical and mental health, if your children have several activities or one demanding sport, their commitments may cause stress and fatigue for others affected by changes in the family routine.

Taking time to plan how your family will approach the increasing demands will help to keep everyone from feeling overwhelmed. There are simple steps parents can take to find joy in their children’s activities, maintain quality family time, and support their children by helping them succeed with love

Find Balance

Are family dinners together important to you? Do you and  your children each have time to pursue individual passions? Do you spend hours in the car rushing from one event to another to the point of exhaustion?

Before the new season begins, gather as a family to set a flexible schedule, and incorporate family plans and personal endeavors you do not want to sacrifice. Your goal is to give your children the opportunities they want while cherishing family time together. We become so busy that we may not notice a family member is feeling neglected or other’s activities are being pushed aside to accommodate those requiring a greater quantity of focus. Respect each other’s time and your vision for your family.

Communicate

Your child was excited to make the soccer team with their friends at the beginning of the season. Ideally, the thrill is there every time you drop them off to practice. You will discover how your child is feeling about their activities if they feel free to talk to you and to openly share their feelings and thoughts. You may find they are planning to work hard to qualify for the Olympic team in the future. On the other hand, they may be begging for a snowboard as the next season begins. Ask your children if they are having fun. Let them know you support them regardless of their desire to continue or move on from their current pursuit.

Photo by Lukas

Become the Student

It is challenging to motivate some children to practice. Others may be willing but cannot work on some skills by themselves. You may be looking for a way to exercise and  interact with your children. A fun solution is asking  your child to become your coach. Allow them to teach you the skills they are practicing or the rules of the game. Beginner and advanced athletes benefit because teaching a skill requires one to think about small details that may be the key to making progress .Sharing their “expertise” with you will nurture their self confidence, and they will feel success when you accomplish skills they have taught you. Physical activity and more fun time with your child are joyful rewards of this approach.

Cheer

Children strive to make their parents proud. Your child may be the one struggling to improve or may be the player leading their team to victory. Regardless of their challenges or awards, your task is to be their cheerleader and let your child know they have made you proud and have your love simply by putting forth their best effort.

Be Amazed

Parents who have never skied can barely fathom how their child has learned to soar down the snow packed hill. With little hand – eye coordination of my own, I was always impressed when my child hit a baseball out of the park. To be impressed with your children does not rely on whether they win the race or make the playoffs. Children go out every day and try new skills, push themselves to do activities that we would not imagine trying, and aspire to please their parents along the way. Continue to be amazed with your children. They are awesome. You are their incredible parent. Find joy while watching them play.