Parental Pressures on Young Athletes
Introduction:
Many athletes dream of one day having their children carry on their love for their sport by being better, faster, and more skilled at it. But what type of pressure does this place on adolescent athletes? What about the burden that parents who weren’t former athletes place on their children?
The Problem:
According to multiple studies and statistics, the pressure parents place on their children takes the fun out of sports, creating irreparable psychological damage to a young athlete. Multiple studies indicate the presence of the same or a higher level of mental health issues in young athletes (under 18) when compared to the general public. The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health has found that close to 70 percent of young athletes leave organized sports before middle school. Padaki et al., in a survey of parents, conclude that parents play a large part in young athlete specialization through various methods. Frankly, there is a fine line between parental support and pressure, one that is far too often crossed.
Famous tennis player Andre Agassi and his overbearing father
Common Risk Factors:
There are both internal and external factors that influence the development of tension between an adolescent and their parents. The large causes for the development of mental health issues by parents are listed below:
Verbal: Parents–those who cheer the loudest when children are young–often become focused only on mistakes and hurdles when their children get older and more involved in athletics. Increased negative verbal comments have been shown to give a clear indication of increasing stress and burnout.
Investment: Athletics requires quite a lot of time, patience, and money. When parents spend exorbitant amounts of all three for their children to be the very best, it inadvertently creates a pressure point for them to be perfect. Excessive perfectionism can ultimately lead to mental health problems in the long run. Losses won’t be handled properly and wins won’t be enjoyed properly.
Lack of Rest: Resting is just as important–if not more–than playing a sport. Injuries only become worse if not given the proper time to heal. Ohio University reports that many young athletes are forced to continue playing even when hurt. With over 2.6 million visits to the emergency room for injuries sustained during a sports-related event (ages 5 to 24), it is clear that sometimes parents don’t give room for rest.
Past Successes: Also known as “frustrated jock syndrome,” this is when a parent tries to recall their own successes with their children in a sport to no avail. A seed of frustration for the parent becomes a growth burden for the child.
Solutions:
What can young athletes do to control parental pressures? Transparent communication is always the best place to start combined with the following:
Thought control
Relaxation
Mental Development
Help-seeking
Parents and others should be encouraged to comment on the work ethic and effort of their children rather than their performance during a single match, game, or race. When appropriate criticism should always be constructive.
Conclusion:
It is quite common for a father to desire for his son to be better. Hence, when it comes to the field of athletics there are clear physiological problems that may occur. However, there are also ways parents can ensure their child has a long and healthy career in the sport of their choosing.
Sources:
Anagnost-Repke, Angela. “We Need to Stop Pressuring Kids to Be the Best at Their Sport.” Parents, Parents, 20 Aug. 2019, https://www.parents.com/fun/sports/we-need-to-stop-pressuring-kids-to-be-the-best-at-their-sport/#:~:text=Intense%20pressure%20in%20youth%20athletics,away%20from%20the%20developmental%20process.
“Being a Good Sport Ranks as Top ‘fun’ Factor in Study of Youth Sports.” ScienceDaily, George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, 10 2014, https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/07/140710081355.htm.
“Mental Health of Elite Young Athletes: Spot and Support Them before It’s Too Late - BJSM Blog - Social Media’s Leading SEM Voice.” BJSM Blog - Social Media’s Leading SEM Voice, 14 Aug. 2017, https://blogs.bmj.com/bjsm/2017/08/14/mental-health-elite-young-athletes-spot-support-late/.
News. “Parents’ Pressure Could Be Lowering Children’s Enrollment in Youth Sports - ABC News.” ABC News, ABC News, 6 Oct. 2015, https://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/parents-pressure-lowering-childrens-enrollment-youth-sports/story?id=34280431.
“Parental Pressure Takes a Toll on Young Athletes | Psychology Today.” Psychology Today, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/talking-about-trauma/201511/parental-pressure-takes-toll-young-athletes. Accessed 8 Jan. 2024.
