When Your Athlete Thinks About Quitting: A Message for Sports Moms đŞâ¤ď¸
Hey there, amazing Sport Mom!
I want to share something close to my heart today. As parents, we love seeing our kids play sports, feeling the excitement and pride every time they step onto the field, court, or track. But what happens when they start questioning whether they want to keep playing? Itâs a tough spot to be in.
Iâve been there myself. My daughter Maylee played volleyball all through high school, but after a couple of fractures in her back and a bout with Mono, she made the decision not to play her senior year. It was hard because I didnât know the last time I watched her play would be the last time. As a mom, I felt a sense of loss. I loved being in on all the action, cheering her on. But I knew the most important thing was her well-being and happiness.
So, if youâre finding yourself in this situation or wondering what you would do if it happened, here are some tips to help you support your athlete:
1. Listen Without Judgement
Create a safe space for your child to share their feelings. Ask open-ended questions like, "Whatâs making you feel this way?" or "How do you feel when you think about continuing or stepping away?" This shows that youâre interested in their thoughts, not just the outcome.
2. Weigh the Pros and Cons Together
Sit down as a family and talk through the benefits and challenges of continuing versus stepping back. Make sure your athlete feels that their voice matters in the decision. In our case, we talked with Maylee, and letting her decide gave her the freedom to choose what was best for her.
3. Reassure Them Theyâre More Than an Athlete
Remind your child that their value is not tied to their sport. Whether they choose to continue or not, their identity and worth go beyond their athletic performance.
4. Focus on Their Well-Being
If injuries, burnout, or personal challenges are making them think about quitting, prioritize their healthâboth mental and physical. Sometimes stepping back is the bravest and best choice they can make.
5. Support Their Decision Wholeheartedly
Once theyâve made their choice, stand by them. Encourage them to explore other passions or hobbies, and celebrate the growth and peace they find in their new path. Iâve seen such a beautiful shift in Mayleeâs spirit this yearâsheâs carefree and peaceful in a way I hadnât seen in a long time.
6. Avoid Comparisons
If you have other children who are continuing in sports, make sure the one who is stepping back doesnât feel overshadowed. Celebrate each childâs unique journey, and remind them that thereâs no ârightâ path, only the one thatâs right for them.
7. Stay Connected to the Sports Community
Itâs okay to feel a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) when youâre not as involved in their sport. Keep supporting their teammates and stay connected with the sports community in new waysâmaybe as a volunteer, coach, or just an enthusiastic fan!
8. Trust the Process
Sometimes, our kids know whatâs best for them, even if itâs hard for us to accept. Trust that this is part of their growth journey and that they will find their way, whether in sports or something new.
Parenting Quote:
"There are two things we should give our children: One is roots, and the other is wings." â Hodding Carter
Being a sports mom is about so much more than watching them play. Itâs about loving them through every decision, every high, and every low. No matter what, youâre doing an incredible job, and your support is what makes the biggest difference.
Sending you lots of love and encouragement!
XOXO,
Kristi
From one sports mom to another đ