What do kids need to thrive in sports?

1. Listen to your child. A successful sports experience requires good communication, Dr. Vatti said. “Listen to your kids. Kids have to be enjoying the sport, otherwise they can lose interest in training and training’s extremely important to prevent injuries.”
2. Be aware of overtraining syndrome. Have your kids complained of soreness or fatigue? These can be some of the first symptoms of overtraining syndrome, Dr. Vatti said. Watch for symptoms such as:
   •    Unusual fatigue
   •    Muscle pain
   •    Body aches or soreness
   •    Difficulty sleeping
   •    Less enthusiasm for practice or games
   •    More frequent colds
   Keeping an eye out for these early signs is important, as they can lead to more significant symptoms such as elevated blood pressure or depression, Dr. Vatti said.
3. Encourage your child to take breaks. Dr. Vatti recommends kids experiencing overtraining symptoms take a break from the activity. In general, he recommends kids have 1-2 rest days per week. For year-round sports, he recommends taking 2-3 months off per year to properly rest.
4. Discuss concerns with your child’s doctor. Discuss any concerns you have with your child’s primary care physician. Be sure to address any underlying conditions such as asthma, allergies or injuries before getting involved in sports.
5. Reach out to your child’s coach. If you’re worried that your child’s training is too rigorous or if your child is struggling academically, you should reach out to the coaches and ask whether modifications are possible.
6. Keep it fun. Most importantly, Dr. Vatti said, make sure your child is having fun in their sport.

Good communication between you and your child, as well as their doctor and coaches, is key to helping your child thrive in their sport.