SPORT REFLECTION #36: My Resolution For “Back To School Blues”

“Back To School” season can really make things challenging when you coach youth sports like I do. I’ve always wondered why. I would notice that it affects kids in weird ways, especially on the field. I decided to finally ask parents how and why their children are affected. As obvious as it sounds, I was able to shed some light on a few things.

For many kids, summer is a fun-filled break from everything that feels never-ending–until it does end. Going back to early mornings, homework, and after-school extra-curricular activities can feel overwhelming and even disappointing. I see this in the kids I coach everyday.

As children grow, they might also feel anxious about their appearance, changes in their bodies, or how they compare to their peers. A bad experience with a teacher can make them anxious, too, and memories from a tough time the year before can make them worry that this year will be the same.

These are things I have learned from my player’s parents. It makes sense. But it has also helped me to understand my players and it even has encouraged me to “coach them up” in the game but also in life. Teaching players to embrace challenges and creating the environment where it’s okay to fail and learn. Instead of complaining and trying to fight it, I learned to understand it and meet my players where they are.