Raising Young Athletes: Parenting Your Children to Victory in Sports and Life

Benefits gained from athletics are myriad, according to veteran psychologist Taylor (Positive Pushing: How To Raise a Successful and Happy Child). Physical health, self-mastery, resilience, social and relationship development, and all-around fun are some of the advantages detailed in this manual. Unfortunately, monied interests infused into sports broadcasting have created a celebrity lure that has contributed to parents being more concerned with fulfilling their own athletic dreams through their children. For instance, in 2016, a survey showed that 26 percent of parents believed their children would become professional athletes, creating an industry dubbed the "youth sports industrial complex" and resulting in overcompetition, burnout of youth athletes, and a loss of enjoyment. As a world-ranked alpine ski racer, black belt in karate, marathon runner, and triathlete who works with Olympic-level athletes, Taylor is distinctly qualified to teach parents how to direct their children toward healthy, positive sports experiences.