We all want our children to succeed. And if they are a boxer, then there seems to be more on the line than just performance success. As boxing parents, we try to support and motivate as much as possible.
But how do we know when they are doing too much? How do you know if or when it is detrimental to their health as well as mental health and progression in the sport?
Training too much can lead to physical and mental burnout in any athlete, including boxers. As a parent, it is important to be observant and look out for signs that indicate your teenage son or daughter may be overtraining.
Here are some signs to consider:
1. Fatigue: If your child consistently complains of feeling tired, lacks energy, or has trouble sleeping, it could be a sign of physical exhaustion.
2. Frequent injuries: Overtraining often leads to an increased risk of injuries. If your child is experiencing recurring injuries or takes longer to recover from them, it may indicate they are training too much. Children are generally physically resilient so when this is off, you know something is amiss.
3. Decline in performance: If your child’s progress and performance start to plateau or decline despite regular training, it could be a sign of physical and mental exhaustion. Routine for children is good but so is variety and new challenges.
4. Mood swings or irritability: Overtraining can impact mental well-being, leading to increased irritability, mood swings, or a sense of being overwhelmed. Given, sometimes this is hard to spot in teenagers as behavior isn’t always consistent! Decline in attendance or excuses not to attend could mean overtraining or other related issues at the club.
5. Loss of interest: If your child loses enthusiasm or passion for boxing, it may be a sign of burnout. They may become disengaged or want to quit altogether. This certainly happens! Always reflect on what they love about the sport. Tap into their intrinsic motivation by doing this.
To support your son or daughter, consider the following actions:
1. Communicate openly: Talk to your child about their training experience and any concerns they may have. Encourage them to share their feelings and listen attentively.
2. Monitor training load: Work with their coach to ensure a balanced training program that includes rest days and appropriate recovery periods. Keep an eye on their training schedule to avoid excessive training volume.
3. Encourage rest and recovery: Emphasize the importance of rest and recovery in their training routine. Encourage them to take breaks, get enough sleep, and practice relaxation techniques. You can’t harness change if you’re still overly active.
4. Promote a healthy lifestyle: Help your child maintain a well-rounded lifestyle by supporting nutritious eating habits, ensuring they get enough sleep, and engaging in activities outside of boxing that they enjoy. Other sports are a blessing! Early specialization in any sport has generally been shown to be detrimental in the long term as an athlete and person. Doing other sports will help their athletic and social development and usually help avoid injury if done in moderation. Playing a game of football can definitely be considered one of their runs for example!
5. Seek professional guidance: If you are concerned about your child’s physical or mental well-being, consider consulting with a sports physician, sports psychologist, or other relevant professionals who can provide specialized support.
Remember, supporting your child’s well-being should always be a priority. Encourage them to find a healthy balance between their boxing training and other aspects of life.