If you are a sports parent, you are busy. And if you are busy, it means your child is busy. Practices and games, along with school and other extra curricular activities, can push both kids and parents to the brink of burnout.

Many adults have experienced burnout but still fail to recognize that it can happen in young kids. It actually happens frequently with young athletes.

Estimates say that 70 percent of children quit organized sports by the time they are 13 years old. There are many reasons why they quit, but one of the most common is burnout. 

Burnout is defined by sport psychologists as “physical/emotional exhaustion, sport devaluation and reduced athletic accomplishment.” Burnout contributes to kids dropping out of sports altogether.  

If your child is feeling burnout, he or she may not even be aware of it. And if you are busy trying to keep the family on track, you may not have taken the time to notice. As a sports parent, you should be aware of the symptoms of burnout. Is your child showing any of these warning signs?

1. No joy in playing sports
2. Dramatic mood swings
3. Apathetic attitude toward sports
4. Poor performance in sports or school activities
5. Lack of pride that was previously shown
6. Lack of emotion after a win or a loss
7. Loss of appetite
8. A struggle getting out the door to a game
9. Unusual focus on aches and pains
10. Problems with friends

Many of these symptoms are seen in every kid at one time or another. And not every young athlete who experiences burnout will show all or even many of these signs. 

Parents and coaches should remember that there could be many reasons for some of these symptoms that have nothing to do with sports. But it is your job as a parent to pay attention to your kids, and if you see a sudden change, then trust your instincts. If you think your child is pushing too hard, then maybe it’s time for him or her to take a break.

Burnout is serious. If ignored, it can lead to anxiety, depression and even alcohol or drug abuse.

For most kids, a short break is enough to recharge and get motivated to play again. If you think it’s more serious than that, seek professional help.