7 Signs of Burnout in Young Athletes (and What to Do)

Signs of burnout in young athletes can be subtle, but they often show up as dread, dropping performance, physical complaints, and pulling away from the sport. You notice your kid is no longer excited to play, and their performance is suffering. They may complain of headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue, which can be physical manifestations of burnout.

What are the warning signs of burnout in young athletes?

You should be aware of the common signs of burnout in young athletes, including:

1. Dread of competition: your kid no longer looks forward to games or practice.
2. Dropping performance: their skills and abilities seem to be declining.
3. Physical complaints: headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue that cannot be explained by a medical condition.
4. Pulling away: your kid starts to withdraw from their teammates, coaches, or the sport altogether.
5. Lack of motivation: they seem uninterested in improving or learning new skills.
6. Increased irritability: your kid becomes easily frustrated or annoyed, especially when it comes to their sport.
7. Loss of love for the game: they no longer enjoy playing, and it feels like a chore.

What causes burnout in young athletes?

Burnout in young athletes can be caused by over-scheduling, outcome pressure, and lack of balance in their lives. As a parent, you may be inadvertently contributing to your kid's burnout by: pushing them to practice too much, focusing too much on winning, or not allowing them time to rest and recover. To prevent burnout, you can check out the sports parents playbook for guidance on how to support your kid's athletic development.

How to identify the causes of burnout

To identify the causes of burnout in your kid, you need to take a step back and assess their situation. Ask yourself:

1. Is my kid over-scheduled?
2. Am I putting too much pressure on them to perform?
3. Is my kid getting enough rest and recovery time?
4. Are they enjoying their sport, or is it feeling like a chore?

How to pull your kid back from the edge

To pull your kid back from the edge of burnout, you need to take a proactive approach. Here is a step-by-step protocol to help you:

1. Conduct a burnout warning-sign audit: take some time to reflect on your kid's behavior and performance, and look for the warning signs of burnout.
2. Have an open conversation: talk to your kid about how they are feeling, and listen to their concerns.
3. Re-evaluate their schedule: make sure they have enough time to rest and recover, and that they are not over-scheduled.
4. Focus on the process, not just the outcome: encourage your kid to focus on their development and improvement, rather than just winning.
5. Seek support: consider seeking the help of a coach, mentor, or therapist who can provide guidance and support.

You can find more information on how to support your kid's athletic development in what to say after a game. Additionally, the course offers a comprehensive program to help you develop a growth mindset and improve your kid's mental performance. For more on developing a healthy and positive mindset, check out "Nurturing Self-Worth" by Giannis Notaras.

Takeaway

You have the power to help your kid avoid burnout and maintain a healthy love for their sport. By being aware of the warning signs, identifying the causes, and taking proactive steps, you can help your kid thrive and reach their full potential. Remember to stay calm, supportive, and focused on their development, and seek help when you need it.