The modern day youth sports environment has taken the enjoyment out of athletics for our children. Currently, 70% of kids drop out of organized sports by the age of 13, which has given rise to a generation of overweight, unhealthy young adults. There is a solution. John O’Sullivan shares the secrets of the coaches and parents who have not only raised elite athletes, but have done so by creating an environment that promotes positive core values and teaches life lessons instead of focusing on wins and losses, scholarships, and professional aspirations. Changing the Game gives adults a new paradigm and a game plan for raising happy, high performing children, and provides a national call to action to return youth sports to our kids.

As seen in Focus on the Family magazine. Should I sign up our seven-year-old son for the travel team? What should we do about our daughter's Sunday morning games? Am I the only one longing for a sane balance between children’s sports, family time, and church commitments? David King and Margot Starbuck offer good news for Christian parents stressed out by these questions and stretched thin by the demands of competitive youth sports. Join King, athletic director at a Christian university, and Starbuck, an award-winning author and speaker, as they investigate seven myths about what’s best for young athletes. Discover with them what it means to not be conformed to the patterns of the youth sports world. Listen in as they talk to other parents, pastors, and coaches about the peril and promise of children’s sports. Learn practical ways to set boundaries and help kids gain healthy identities as beloved children of God--both on and off the field, and whether they win or lose. Equips parents with concrete tips such as: Eight questions to discuss on the way home from the game Five ways to ruin your child’s sports experience Dinnertime conversation starters about your family’s values The one question you can't not ask your child about youth sports Key Features: Challenges seven common myths about youth sports Offers wisdom for families on decisions such as choosing leagues and how many seasons to play Author Q&As address parents' common concerns about youth sports Bonus tips and resources for parents, coaches, and pastors Free downloadable study guide available here.

Discusses parental involvement, girls in sports, safety, exercise, and nutrition, and includes information on injuries, equipment, season, number of games, practices, and fees for each sport

Youth Sports: A Parent's Guide This book provides information designed to encourage and equip parents of young athletes as they navigate the complex culture of today's youth sports. Through the use of anecdotes, relevant information and research this guide provides insight, as well as tools for navigating the challenges of youth sports parenting. As a result, parents are empowered to confidently enjoy their child's experience, and participate appropriately in cooperation with their young athlete. The quality of the journey is enhanced, and the stage is set for maximum benefit for the athlete. A successful sports experience is defined as having lasting value for the young athlete beyond participation. Any athlete, regardless of physical ability can be successful by this standard. The benefits of this success include relationship building, social skills, leadership skills, character development, and an enjoyment of lifelong sports activity, including the value of physical fitness. This book is not a guide for the parent seeking to facilitate their child reaching the pinnacle of athletic performance. It is a guide for parents in pursuit of maximizing youth sports experiences for their child which not only include athletic development, but life skills as well. The book addresses common questions such as when to begin organized sports, which sports best fit your child, the consideration of specialization versus sampling multiple sports, and the social impact surrounding sports participation. For context, there is a concise chronological history of youth sports, marking its evolution. Information on topics such as community sports leagues vs school leagues, school team selections (aka "cuts"), and winning and losing is provided. There is guidance about relating to and communicating with coaches. It is written from the author's unique perspective developed through the multiple roles experienced: as a young athlete through professional school, as a parent of young athletes--all of whom participated at the highest levels-- as a coach for young athletes, and as an athletic administrator for a PreK-6 school. Central to this guide is the value of the fundamental partnership between parent, athlete, and coach along the sports journey. A healthy collaboration can significantly facilitate navigation through the complexities along the way. The role of parenting is key to managing a successful youth sports experience. Parents value and facilitate the goal of sustained, meaningful relationships throughout the journey. They maintain focus on the ultimate priority, that their children will reap lifelong rewards beyond championships and trophies. They understand that joy should be part of this journey as well.

This book explores the true meaning of achievement in sports: having fun, developing athletic and social skills, and nurturing a healthy, positive sense of self-esteem. Drs. Fine and Sachs offer practical, research-based advice that is bound to enrich the sports experience—as well as life outside of sports—for both children and adults.

If your son or daughter said, "I want to play ice hockey." Would you know: how the sport is played? how much it costs to be on a team? whether you could, or should get involved? whether a competitive sport would be right for your child? what exercises your child should do to get in shape & prevent injuries? All these questions are answered here. You can help your child get the maximum benefit & enjoyment out of sports with this informative approach to the important issues of physical & psychological development; the changing role of girls in sports; safety, exercise & nutrition; sports & the single parent, & more.

A sports psychologist and former professional athlete offers advice for making organized sports a safe and enjoyable experience for children