How to Help Your Teen Juggle Sport and School
All parents know just how beneficial sport can be for a teenager from both a physical and a social perspective.
However, when your teen cannot get enough sport, you might notice that their academic performance starts to suffer. The key is to find a way in which to juggle both. After all, while it is possible to get into a great college with the help of a sports scholarship, most colleges still take grades into account, too!
Here are some tips:
Assist with building time management skills:
Time management skills are critical not only during this important time of your teen’s life but will certainly prove invaluable as he or she enters his or her adult years, too. Teach your teen to prioritize tasks in order of importance based on due dates.
Kids that have gone to a preschool have a better idea of how they should manage their time. Parents to get a semblance of managing the timings of their children. This is one reason why most parents send their kids to the best preschools. This is the foundation of how a child should be able to divide and balance their time between learning and sports. For more information on how to choose the best preschools, please read more.
For example, if they have a big game coming up in two weeks and have an assignment due by the end of the week, they need to realize that completing the assignment is more vital than spending a few extra hours on the football field.
Make sure they are getting enough sleep and the right nutrition:
According to the CDC, teenagers should be getting between 8 – 10 hours of sleep every night. If football scholarships are on your teen’s agenda, they must know just how crucial adequate rest is to replenish their energy and allow their body enough time to recover in between practice sessions.
It is also a must to do your part to ensure that they are consuming a balanced diet chockfull of protein, healthy carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
Help them create a schedule:
Work with your teen to set up a workable schedule that helps them set aside enough time for both sports and schoolwork. Don’t forget to include a certain amount of ‘me time and family time in the schedule, too!
Work together to set realistic goals:
Having specific goals in mind can make a huge difference in assisting your child in staying focused and motivated. These goals should revolve around both sports and schoolwork and should include a plan of action that will push your teen ever closer to achieving them. It is also a good idea to set timelines for the goals.
Use sports as an incentive:
When teens decide to practice for a big football game coming up instead of prepping for exams or completing assignments, some parents might feel a need to use sports as a means for punishment. For example, they might threaten that their teen needs to quit football until their grades start improving.
However, this approach is rarely effective and can lead to resentment and rebellion. Instead, use sports as an incentive by saying that the more they study and stick to their homework schedule, the more football they will be allowed to play.
Most importantly, be there to provide your teenager with support, encouragement, and understanding. If they feel as though you are on their team, they will be more likely to pay attention to your advice and heed your guidance.
Make sure they are getting enough sleep and the right nutrition: According to the CDC, teenagers should be getting between 8 – 10 hours of sleep every night. If football scholarships are on your teen’s agenda, they must know just how crucial adequate rest is to replenish their energy and allow their body enough time to recover in between practice sessions. It is also a must to do your part to ensure that they are consuming a balanced diet chockfull of protein, healthy carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
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