Question:
There just isn’t enough time in the day for the training and practice my son’s football coach insists his team put in. Jon is 16 and really needs to buckle down and work on his studies. All the parents feel the same, but the coach doesn’t listen to us. What can we do?Answer:
ParentingTeensOnline expert, Mark Fuerst , fields questions about sports and competition. Mark is a health and medical writer based in Brooklyn, NY. You can read more about him at MySteps, his blog. He responds:
School sports take a lot of time and energy. Most coaches, who usually are teaches as well, understand that athletes need to keep up with their schoolwork. At most schools playing a varsity sport is a privilege that must be earned by getting good grades. Find out at the beginning of the season the coach’s expectations for players. Discuss how missed practices might affect your child’s standing on the team. Good coaches will suggest ways to help your child succeed, both academically and athletically. If need be, talk to your child’s academic advisor or guidance counselor for help. You can also talk to the parents of other players about coordinating more study time. To balance school and sports, you need to help your child set priorities and then work out a realistic schedule to make time for everything, including other after-school activities. Make a list of all activities, such as homework, music lessons, religious school, practices, and games, and how much time each one takes. Don’t forget travel time to and from activities. Then set aside a certain time each day for homework. Encourage your child to get some homework done in school during study hall or free periods. These time-management skills can help your child study, and play, better.