Supporting Young Athletes: A Holistic Approach to Health and Development

Aug 5

Written by: Dr. Olivia Steinmetz, DC, MS, CCSP

As a sports chiropractor in Denver who works with young athletes and their families, I’ve seen firsthand what makes the difference between successful athletic development and early burnout. Let’s break down what really matters when it comes to your child’s athletic journey.

Every Child Can Be Active (Yes, Really!)

First things first: your child doesn’t need to be the next Olympic athlete to benefit from sports and physical activity. Whether your child is naturally athletic, still developing their coordination, or has different abilities, there’s a place for them in sports. Here’s what you need to know:

Look for programs that welcome all skill levels
Focus on finding activities your child genuinely enjoys
Don’t worry if your child isn’t as “advanced” as their peers
Remember that every child develops at their own pace

Your Child’s Well-Being Comes First

Let’s be honest—it’s exciting when our kids excel at sports. However, as parents, we need to remember that their health and happiness matter more than any trophy or championship. Here are some warning signs to watch for:

Is your child getting enough sleep?
Do they still enjoy their sport, or has it become a chore?
Are they showing signs of stress, sadness, or anxiety about going to practice or performing well?
Do they have time for other activities and friendships?

Balancing Activity and Rest

One of the trickiest parts of parenting a young athlete is knowing when to encourage them to push forward and when to pull back. Here’s a practical guide:

Signs Your Child Needs Rest:

Complaining of constant tiredness
Decreased performance in school
Loss of enthusiasm for their sport
Frequent minor injuries
Mood changes or irritability

Signs They’re Ready for More:

Consistently high energy levels
Asking for extra practice time
Quick recovery between activities
Maintaining good grades
Positive attitude toward their sport

The Reality Check: Screen Time vs. Active Time

If you’re worried that your child isn’t active enough, you’re not alone. With phones, tablets, and video games competing for our kids’ attention, getting them moving can be challenging. Nevertheless, don’t panic—here are some practical solutions:

Make physical activity a family affair (weekend bike rides, anyone?)
Set up “active playdates” with their friends
Create screen-free times during the day
Turn everyday activities into movement opportunities (take the stairs, park further away, walk to school)
Be a role model & encourage them to join your physical activity—if they see you being active, they’re more likely to follow suit!

Making It Work for Your Family

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to youth athletics. What works for your neighbor’s kids might not work for yours, and that’s okay! Focus on these key principles:

Keep it fun—when kids enjoy what they’re doing, they’re more likely to stick with it
Listen to your child—they’ll tell you (sometimes directly, sometimes through their behavior) what’s working
Think long-term—the goal is to help them develop a lifelong love of being active
Celebrate effort and progress, not just achievements
Stay flexible—it’s okay to adjust or change activities as your child grows. For more tips on keeping young athletes active and injury-free, check out our blog or follow us on instagram for regular insights.

Your Role as a Parent

Your most important job isn’t to create a star athlete—it’s to support your child’s healthy development. As humans, we’re never expected to be perfect -it’s the effort, consistency, and passion that counts! This means:

Being their biggest cheerleader (win or lose)
Helping them process disappointments
Celebrating small victories – they lead to the bigger ones
Keeping the focus on fun and personal growth
Making sure they know you’re proud of them, regardless of performance

Working with Coaches and Healthcare Providers

Building a support team for your young athlete doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s how to be your child’s best advocate:

Keep open communication with coaches about your child’s energy levels and enthusiasm
Don’t hesitate to ask questions about training programs
Share concerns with healthcare providers before they become major issues (P.S. our providers at Well Set are certified in pediatrics AND sports cmedicine, we’re here to help!)
Trust your instincts—you know your child best

Remember, the most successful young athletes aren’t necessarily the ones who win every game—they’re the ones who learn to love being active, develop confidence in their abilities, and carry these healthy habits into adulthood. As parents, that’s the real victory we should be aiming for!

*Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Every person is different, and individual circumstances vary. Always consult with a licensed medical provider to discuss your specific health needs, exercise recommendations, and potential risks.

Sources

Bourdon, P. C., Cardinale, M., Murray, A., Gastin, P., Kellmann, M., Varley, M. C., Gabbett, T. J., Coutts, A. J., Burgess, D. J., Gregson, W., & Cable, N. T. (2017). Monitoring athlete training loads: Consensus statement. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 12(s2). https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2017-0208

Katzmarzyk, P. T., Lee, I.-M., Martin, C. K., & Blair, S. N. (2017). Epidemiology of physical activity and exercise training in the United States. Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases, 60(1), 3–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcad.2017.01.004

Lloyd, R. S., Cronin, J. B., Faigenbaum, A. D., Haff, G. G., Howard, R., Kraemer, W. J., Micheli, L. J., Myer, G. D., & Oliver, J. L. (2016). National Strength and Conditioning Association position statement on long-term athletic development. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 30(6), 1491–1509. https://doi.org/10.1519/jsc.0000000000001387

Jace Buzek