Has Your Teen Shut Down?

Sometimes our well-meaning efforts to guide teens backfires, leading them to shut down or push back. It can be tough to get teens to open back up after they think we’ve messed up. There are behavioral adjustments parents can make to get conversations flowing once again. Your tweens and teens will appreciate your efforts and return to you for the guidance they need (and crave!) even if they don’t say it aloud.

Consider the common scenarios from The Center for Parent & Teen Communication here. If you’ve experienced any of them, you’re not alone.

Tip: Never increase your exercise intensity or the amount of weight lifted by a factor of 10% every 2 weeks

Be smart to avoid injury when training for your sport. Gradual increases in exercise intensity and amount of weight lifted will provide the best results. Progression is the key to the success of your workout.

Tip: Be sure to cross train one or two days a week. Participate in another activity to avoid overuse injury and let your muscles repair

Rest can be just as important to fitness as working out. Your body gets stronger during the rest period as it rebuilds itself from exercising, giving your muscles time to heal and also reducing the risk of injury. You can practice alternating between hard and easy workouts, involving cross-training and valuing your personal time.

Tip: The lungs are designed for breathing in oxygen, not substances delivered by a vaping device.

Lung damage occurs because the substance remains at the bottom of the lung. This impacts the total amount of oxygen your lungs can access, therefore impacting your athletic performance.

Tip of the Week: Alcohol suppresses training hormones for up to 4 days. You may show up to practice but there will be little improvement or gains.

Many athletes tend to underestimate the way in which alcohol use, even a few drinks, can nullify your hard work by erasing the effects of your workouts, reducing your endurance and compromising your mental game. Alcohol affects your ability to learn new plays and strategies; it decreases your aptitude for muscle development and recovery and negatively impacts your nutrition and endurance.

Tip: It is the healthy teams that have a better chance for success

Be a leader and make your own choices. Set an example to your peers and choose to surround yourself with those making healthy choices. Show your leadership by choosing not to use drugs or alcohol.

Tip: Train your mind like you train your body. Visualize the outcome you want.

Clear your mind and visualize your goal, breathe and refocus. Do this often and your brain will recall your goal faster and in more detail.

Tip: Choose not to use marijuana as it impacts your health, safety and potential for academic and athletic success.

THC (the chemical in marijuana) builds up in the brain and affects the skill recall area of the brain and delays reaction time. Marijuana compromises judgment and affects many other skills necessary to be a proficient athlete. These skills include alertness, concentration, coordination and reaction time.