Sports are more than just fun and games. Striving to win builds confidence, cooperation, concentration, coordination, and creativity. Or at least that’s what you’ve heard. But is that really the case? Isn’t Competition Bad for Kids? “Competition” is a dirty word for some parents. Not only does it put too much pressure on children to be their best, they say, but if they do not measure up, it can also cause undue stress and leave kids feeling frustrated. Many well-meaning moms and dads either declare everybody a winner or avoid competitive situations altogether to protect kids from disappointme ..read more

Most parents are aware that there are all kinds of physical and health benefits associated with gymnastics for kids, even for toddlers. What they may not always realize right away – until their child is an active participant anyway – that there are other, less obvious benefits that any child can gain from participating in gymnastics and many of them can actually equip a child with skills and benefits that will help them in other aspects of life in general, and will stand them in good stead for years to come. Here’s a look at six benefits of gymnastics for kids you may not know about. Discipli ..read more

The wearing of face masks is becoming a way of life. Even if they are not to be worn while participating in gymnastics and other sports when meets, games and practices do resume the chances are good that at child over the age of 2 or 3 will be asked to wear one when near others. Kids of all ages may also be told to wear them when they return to school. But if adults are struggling with the idea how can you help kids get used to it? Choosing the Right Face Mask for Active Kids The CDC, and most schools, sports organizations and others are requiring/recommending that children wear a simple clot ..read more

  Getting involved in sports is something that everyone agrees is a great idea for kids – especially for teenagers whose idea of the ideal after school activity is often playing Madden on the Xbox or spending hours on Facebook rather than actually getting out and being active on a regular basis. Any sport comes with its risk of injury though, and that is as true for teens as it is for adults. Some sports injuries are more common in kids than grownups though, and parents, and kids, do need to be aware of just what they might be able to do to prevent some of them. Types Of Injury Sports in ..read more

School’s out – earlier than expected this year – and the kids are ready for some summer fun! Whether organized sports resume this summer remains to be seen, but even in the wake of COVID-19 the summer months provide the perfect opportunity to spend lots of time outside being active. Whether it’s swimming, hiking, biking, sports camps or just hitting the park, there’s something for every kid With the increased outdoor fun comes increased risk of injury. It’s important to be aware of the potential dangers in summer sports and to take steps to stay safe while having fun. Here’s a look at some of ..read more

Family life has changed dramatically as a result of coronavirus containment measures. Weeknights and weekends spent taking active kids to and from extra-curricular activities and sport are on hold indefinitely. For active kids, used to having, for example, gymnastics practice several times a week, this only adds to the stress and confusion they are feeling. While most youth athletes can be kept relatively active at home, even within the restrictions, their mental well-being is something that is not as easy to address. This is going to be a difficult and disruptive time for all kids. For those ..read more

Active youth athletes usually have good, healthy diets. But shortages and restrictions that are occurring right now in the face of the COVID 19 pandemic mean that many of them – and their parents, may fall of that healthy diet wagon and begin to lose the edge that a great diet gives them. Or that’s the worry you may have. It does not have to be the reality though. Eating healthy during social distancing and quarantines is possible, it just calls for a little extra planning. Here are some tips: Plan ahead. Visualize breakfast, lunch, and dinner for at least 5 days. What will you serve? What do ..read more

Getting involved in sports is something that everyone agrees is a great idea for kids – especially for teenagers whose idea of the ideal after school activity is often playing Call Of Duty on the Xbox or spending hours on social media rather than actually getting out and being active on a regular basis. Any sport comes with its risk of injury though, and that is as true for teens as it is for adults. Some sports injuries are more common in kids than grownups though, and parents, and kids, do need to be aware of just what they might be able to do to prevent some of them. Types Of Injury Sports ..read more

Water is one of the nutrients your body needs most. In fact, people have survived as long as six weeks without food, but no one can last longer than about a week without water. Water is the cornerstone that powers almost every bodily function, including brain function. It’s the most abundant substance in the body, averaging 60 percent of body weight. It helps keep body temperature constant at about 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, and it transports nutrients and oxygen to all cells and carries waste products away. Water helps maintain blood volume, and it helps lubricate joints and body tissues such ..read more

Got young athletes in your family? Budding champion gymnasts, brilliant cheerleaders or future NBA players? Whatever their sport feeding them requires knowledge and planning. Not only do young athletes need optimal nutrition for fueling and recovery from training and competing, but they also must meet energy demands of growth. You can help your kids by learning the right way for them to refuel with the nutrients they need before and after practice or game day. Nutrition for Everyday Athletes Focus on carbs for energy. The no-carb lifestyle is not one that should be adopted by young athletes ..read more