I was just beginning to accept that doing nothing could be good for everyone. No more strict routines, just the freedom to breathe and enjoy the moment. My mind was finally starting to find peace, and ready to have the summer break! But then yesterday, with a touch of anxiety in his voice, my son asked me, “Am I going to regress, to lose my tennis’s level if I don’t practice during the break as much as I’m used to?” And just like that, my serene mindset was shattered. Six weeks of summer break stretched ahead of us, and I was thrown into a whirlwind of concern.
“The Summer dilemna for athletes – Should they stop or keep training- is something I wasn’t expecting, I didn’t see it coming… Maybe I was too busy with my own struggle on how to take a break.”
Yes, summer break is a time to refresh and relax. But let’s be honest, for young athletes, the pressure never ends, and the summer dilemma arises. So, should they stop or keep training?
Caught between my belief in the importance of rest and the fear of my son falling behind (gloups!), I found myself needing to provide a quick, reassuring answer.
Here’s how I navigated this summer dilemma and how you can, too:
1- Offer alternatives to shift the perspective
“Sweetie, we can rest and still find fun ways to practice. Maybe we can turn training into a game.”
2- Seek to understand
“What makes you feel like you might lose your level?” This buys you time and helps understand their worries better.
3- Reassure and redirect with conviction
“Taking a break can actually help you come back stronger. Your body and mind need rest to perform at their best.”
4- Integrate fun and practice
“How about we set a fun schedule where you can play, relax, and have short, enjoyable practice sessions? This way, you won’t miss out on anything.”. Abd practicing other sports can also benefit your sport Why young athletes should play multiple sports
5- And of course, be aligned with “your words”
When communicating these reassurances, be sure to convey your message with confidence. Use calm gestures, a reassuring tone, and positive body language. Your child will pick up on your assurance and feel more at ease with the idea of taking a break. This calm and confident approach will help them understand that rest is a vital part of their overall growth and success.
Embracing the Break
As I reassured my son, I realized that summer break is not just about pausing the rigorous routine but about finding a new rhythm that balances rest and practice. This is a time to rejuvenate and recharge, both for our young athletes and ourselves. By blending fun and light practice, we can ensure that our children stay engaged and maintain their skills without feeling pressured.
