Getting your child ready for Fall Sports Season



Summer is usually a season reserved for relaxation, especially for school-aged children who are not yet old enough to work.  These kids, no doubt, enjoy the chance to spend summer days lounging with their friends by the pool or at the beach.  Though summer is synonymous with R&R, parents of young athletes who plan on playing sports once the school year revs up need to take steps to ensure their kids aren't at risk of injury once they blow the whistle on the sports season. 

• Examine and replace equipment if necessary.  The right equipment can protect children from injuries.  Damaged or outdated equipment should be replaced.  Also, get those feet measured.  Kids feet grow yearly until they hit year 16 or 17 on average. 
• Schedule a physical for your child.  It's never a bad idea to make sure your child is in top physical shape and ready for the physical toll their upcoming sport will take on their bodies.  Getting a physical will give you piece of mind that your child is physically prepared to compete.
• Let kids heal.  Kids schedules are busier than every these days.  Many kids play multiple sports during the school year.  Summer is the time to let their bodies heal and not overdo things.  Stay is shape of course, but save something for when the games really count.
• Gradually get back in the swing of things.  It's good to practice your sport and gradually gear up to when the games are live.  Exercising is a good way to gradually gear up.
• Speak with coaches.  Coaches can be great assets to parents who want their kids to succeed.  Usually, the coaches and parents have joint goals.  Speak with your child's coach to determine if there is any area your son or daughter can work on over the summer to improve his or her chances of making the team.  Make sure you include your child in these decisions.  Otherwise, you risk having a sport turn into a chore for a kid.