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Reset as a sports parent: 5 ways to get (or keep) kids active

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 6:22 GMT by USA Today
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Rebooting the Playbook: Five Practical Ways Parents Can Reset Their Approach to Youth Sports

Published by USA Today, September 12, 2025

For many families, high‑school and youth sports feel like a marathon rather than a sprint. The endless stream of games, practices, booster clubs, and travel teams can leave parents exhausted, children stressed, and the joy of the sport slipping away. In a recent feature for USA Today, the authors outline five concrete strategies that parents can use to take a step back, recalibrate their involvement, and ultimately create a healthier, more rewarding experience for everyone on the field.

1. Shift the Lens from Winning to Learning

The article opens with a stark reminder that the ultimate goal of youth sports is developmental—physical fitness, teamwork, confidence, and a sense of belonging—not the score line. Parents who keep the pressure off performance are more likely to witness their children develop a lifelong love of activity. The piece quotes former high‑school coach and psychologist Dr. Laura Cheng: “When parents view each game as a learning opportunity rather than a win‑or‑lose event, children internalize a growth mindset that extends beyond the field.”

Practical tip: At the first meeting of the season, write a “Mission Statement” on a whiteboard that lists learning goals such as “practice good sportsmanship,” “learn a new skill,” and “build resilience.” Display it where it can be seen by coaches, players, and parents alike.

2. Set Clear Boundaries Around Time and Energy

The second strategy tackles the pervasive “I’m here to support my kid” mindset that often turns into over‑involvement. The article points out that research from the American Academy of Pediatrics (link) shows that children with balanced schedules perform better academically and socially. Parents are encouraged to establish a “parental time budget” that includes:

• A fixed number of practice visits per week.
• A maximum number of games attended per month.
• A strict cutoff for extra‑practice or “skill‑work” sessions.

“Setting boundaries isn’t about limiting your child’s opportunities; it’s about protecting the family’s collective well‑being,” says coach and former Olympian Mark Rivera, whose insights were featured in the piece. The article also includes a printable schedule template that parents can download from the USA Today website.

3. Prioritize Fun Over Competition

In a culture where trophies and accolades often dominate the narrative, the article offers a refreshing counterpoint: “If the child stops laughing, it’s time to re‑evaluate.” Several anecdotal stories from parents whose kids found joy in a simple backyard scrimmage versus an over‑organized club demonstrate the importance of playfulness. The piece cites the “Playful Parenting” framework by Dr. Sarah Nguyen, which outlines four pillars—flexibility, imagination, shared decision‑making, and playful communication—that parents can weave into the sports experience.

Practical tip: Replace the “next game” ritual with a quick, light‑hearted chant or a goofy warm‑up routine that reminds everyone of the playful roots of the sport.

4. Encourage Self‑Regulation in Your Child

The fourth reset tool focuses on giving children agency over their sports journey. The article emphasizes that “children who feel they have some control over their schedule, goals, and performance tend to develop better intrinsic motivation.” Parents are encouraged to involve kids in setting realistic personal goals and to track progress through a simple “skill journal” rather than a coach‑driven scoreboard.

An interview with a developmental psychologist, Dr. Emily Carter, underscores the role of self‑regulation: “When children understand why they are practicing, what they want to improve, and how they measure success, the experience becomes more meaningful and less stressful.”

5. Leverage Support Networks and Professional Guidance

The final section of the piece encourages parents to build a community of support beyond the team. The article links to several reputable resources:

• The National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) for guidance on balancing academics and athletics.
• The “Parenting in Sports” podcast, which offers weekly interviews with former athletes, coaches, and sports psychologists.
• A local “Sports Reset” initiative that provides workshops on mindful parenting, stress management, and effective communication with coaches.

The piece includes a sidebar listing local youth sports organizations that have adopted the Reset model, along with testimonials from parents who have seen significant improvements in their child’s enthusiasm and well‑being.

Bottom Line

USA Today’s “Five Ways to Take a Reset as a Youth Sports Parent” provides a clear, actionable framework for parents who feel overwhelmed by the demands of youth sports. By shifting focus from winning to learning, setting firm boundaries, prioritizing fun, encouraging self‑regulation, and building supportive networks, parents can reclaim the joy that made sports a beloved pastime in the first place. As the article concludes, the most rewarding reset isn’t a one‑time event—it’s a continuous practice of self‑reflection and intentional adjustment that benefits both parent and child alike.

For more resources, visit the USA Today sports parenting section or download the full guide at the provided links.