If you have recently visited the Jimmie Condon ice skating arena, you might have spotted our playful rink board advertisement. It has given us cause to reflect on how kids can have so much fun being active in many ways, including individual and team sports, like figure skating, skiing, or hockey.

From the stands, it is wonderful to see how much fun kids can have being active. But we also know that alongside that child-like joy, sports can bring added pressures and worries for young minds — and their parents.

At Kids Reconnect, we are here to help kids, parents, and families navigate tricky challenges like these.

Research shows that while participating in sports promotes physical and emotional well-being for kids, it can also factor into stirring up a myriad of worries. Studies show that around 35% of young athletes quit sports each year, and many never return. The reasons for this can be complex, but one major factor is the mismatch between a child’s readiness and the level of competition they face.

Our team of child therapists can help parents and offer kids tools and strategies to help them balance the excitement of competitive and performance sports with their emotional well-being. Whether it’s managing pre-game nerves or building confidence after setbacks, we’re here to help kids (playfully and joyfully!) grow and thrive.

Merkel, D. L. (2013). Youth sport: positive and negative impact on young athletes. Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine, 4, 151-160 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3871410/