Youth Sports

Sports can build confidence, teamwork, and resilience, but they can also bring stress and pressure. This guide helps parents encourage their children to enjoy sports in healthy ways, balance competition with fun, and develop positive attitudes toward winning and losing.

Featured Youth Sports Content

Son Wants to Quit Soccer | Q&A

My older son has played soccer for three different seasons, and he has given up because he seems to be afraid of the game as well as his father’s criticism. He feels that he is not very athletic and would rather focus on academics. We feel that if we let him quit, it will adversely affect him in the…

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How do I teach my 4-year-old son that he can’t win all the time? | Q&A

How do I teach my 4-year-old son that he can’t win all the time?

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A Shot at the Big Time Is a Long Shot | Article

Participation in youth sports is growing all across America. Recent figures from the National Council of Youth Sports show that more than 41 million children participate in organized sports leagues.

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Effective Tips for Talking to Coaches | Article

If your child plays organized sports, there's a good chance you will need to discuss an issue or problem with a coach. Regardless of the issue, your goal should be to work with the coach to reach a resolution that is best for everyone - your child, the team, the coach and you.

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Should I Keep My Child From Sports If His Schoolwork is Suffering? | Article

Youth sports can be very important to the development of a child. They teach skills and build character traits that will be useful throughout a child's school years and well beyond. However, youth sports should never trump academics. School has to come first.

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Compete with Character, and Every Game Will be a Victory | Article

This information is included in our Guide to Youth Sports.

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Our guides contain preselected content that is popular among our readers, but if you don't see what you are looking for, see all our Youth Sports content.

Popular Youth Sports Downloads

Managing Your Anger: Effective Strategies

Anger is a natural emotion, but how you manage it defines your character. Learn effective strategies to control your anger and improve your relationships.

Compete with Character

Learn how to guide your kids in developing character while competing. Discover the top rules for instilling values that lead to success.

Strengths and Outstanding Qualities Worksheet

Help your child recognize their unique strengths and qualities with this engaging worksheet. It's a great tool for building self-esteem and resilience.