Help Your Children Through Their Stressful Teen Years

Remember when you were 13 years old? If you were like most children, you went from not having a care in the world one day to facing relentless peer pressure at school the next.

It’s a time in life when children experience a lot of stress and anxiety. And unfortunately, for some children, it can lead to depression and hopelessness.

But there is hope! And it comes from participating in high school sports. Research shows participation in a team sport and athletic identity are associated with lower depression scores. Student-athletes benefit from higher self-esteem, less stress, more social support and a greater sense of accomplishment, all of which help stave off depression.

Start talking to your children now about participating in high school sports. Their journey toward adulthood may still be a rollercoaster of highs and lows, but playing sports will help smooth out the bumpy ride.