Summer is wrapping up. Have you found time to relax and have fun since the school year ended? Are you trying to squeeze in the activities you planned to do back in May? Or are you excited to return to the routine of practice, breakfast, school, work, more practice, dinner, homework, sleep, repeat?

With a flexible summer work schedule, I was able to chauffeur one son to training camps and games while enrolling the others in a sports camp or other activities. Some days they took turns tagging along and playing at nearby parks or running errands. There were times when they had to wait for me while I worked, or a grandparent, babysitter, or planned playdate allowed them a more fun alternative. At the end of the day, we were all exhausted and slept well to prepare for the hectic pace of the next day.  

Benefits of Having Fun

A break in training allows athletes’ minds and bodies time to relax and recover from daily pressure. They can recharge for the next season of workouts, practice, and competition. A week or two in summer may present the perfect time for competitive athletes to step away from the intensity of their training schedule and mindset. They will remain on pace to work toward their goals. Their coaches will help them attain their peak performance as events draw near. Take the time to allow them to relax without worrying that they are missing an opportunity to get the edge on their competitors.

Time to relax with friends and family focused on fun may be the perfect remedy to a training problem your child has been battling with their sport. Athletes often have trouble breaking a habit they acquired, causing hours of frustrating practice. After some time away from sport and muscle memory, habits may fade or may disappear completely. Of course, progress made right before time off may wane slightly, but soon everything falls back into place. Training resumes with renewed enthusiasm and energy.

Time to Reassess

If your child was losing interest in their sport due to the time commitment and hard work associated with reaching their goals, it is helpful to take time off to reassess their passion for the sport or possible interest in different activities. We want our children to be excited about practice, teamwork, and individual challenges. Once the thrill is gone, they benefit from reflecting on the reasons they loved their sport in the beginning. What has changed for them? How can they move forward with new motivation for their training? Or is it time to try something else? The answers are not always found on the field. Sometimes, they are realized during a road trip, hiking in a state park, or sitting around a campfire.

Your athlete, your family, and you all deserve a break before the arrival of added commitment during the school year. Therefore, enjoy this time and create fun memories.