As a parent and myself coach, it’s easy to get caught up in pushing young athletes to excel relentlessly. We envision them always resilient, hardworking, and mentally tough, but reality often brings moments of exhaustion, tears, and the need for a simple pause. Here’s a glimpse into why letting young athletes simply be kids during their summer break is not just beneficial but essential.
There are moments of brilliance but also exhaustion…
Predictably, sports summer camps bring both moments of brilliance and bouts of fatigue. There are times when I find myself urging them to strive for greatness, battling the urge to yell, “Be tough!”, “You can do it!”, “it’s going to be sooo much fun!” Yet, amid the demands of their sports, they need moments to unwind, play freely, and find joy in the simplest of activities.
But how? Maybe by rediscovering simple pleasures
During training, I’m consistently amazed by their dedication and adaptability. They handle multiple practices, maintain workout routines, and push through fatigue without complaint. Still, there are moments when I realize I need to allow them the freedom to enjoy their downtime—to just be kids, without the pressures of performance or competition.
Reflecting on rigorous schedules during the year, I wonder about the true purpose of it all. What am we really striving for? What is really at stake here? And lately, as breaks from regular training have allowed for relaxation and unhurried moments, I’ve come to see that it’s not about mastering every drill or preparing for the next season now. It’s about nurturing their happiness, providing space to rest, and fostering an environment where they can simply be kids.
And yet, I just want them to enjoy their holidays, rest, and feel happy without any pressure. I just want them to gather as many souvenirs as they can. Anyone familiar with these struggles knows that pushing young athletes to be resilient and perfect often prevents them from genuinely experiencing these qualities. Why not forget about those goals for a short break and just let them be kids?
And, incidentally, I can give myself a break too, ahaha. Of course, this is my job; it’s a part of me that also needs to be on vacation, which makes it even more challenging!
What time is it? No idea, it’s time for a summer break!
And YES, Vacations can bring so many opportunities to do things in a different way, in a different setting, and with different people. We envision our kids becoming their best versions, why not?. However, we don’t magically transform them into different people, and sometimes our children just aren’t in the mood to train. Kids remain kids, regardless of their talent. There are moments when we see their incredible capabilities, and other times, we recognize their need for simple pleasures. Sometimes, they remind us that their best moments were just making new friends, going to bed late, and having no schedule at all, and it feels completely understandable!
Maybe the key is to let them do what they really want, and not what we expect from them!
Gentle reminder for parents of young athletes…
Parents, here’s a gentle reminder as we approach summer break: even young athletes need a break. It is age-appropriate for them to just play, jump in the water, and forget about structured training, routines for a while. We tend to forget that young athletes are still kids because we ask so much of them: resilience, hard work (both in sports and academics), mental toughness, and positivity. But sometimes they just want to feel like everyone else… and that’s okay!
They need to change their minds, recharge their mental and physical batteries, and do something completely different. Parents, avoid remarks that can trigger guilt or anxiety, even as a joke. Yes, they can continue practicing their favorite sport, but mental and physical rest is essential to return in excellent shape and prevent injuries and burnout.
…because sometimes the best training is no training at all!
So, as summer approaches, let’s remember to give our young athletes the freedom to be kids. Let them experience the simple joys, the carefree days, and the unstructured play that is vital for their well-being. This post is for you to read before your children’s summer break — because sometimes the best training is no training at all.
Useful link: Do’s & Don’ts for young athletes during the summer break
