HEALTH: To prevent overuse injuries, kids should start a supervised weight-lifting program at 8 or 9. Go for high reps of light weights–less than three pounds, or use a soup can.
DIET: Make sure your kid’s diet follows the food pyramid. And tell kids they should never take performance enhancers. It’s crazy, but surveys have found sixth graders using creatine.
MOTIVATION: Give up on the idea of “constructive criticism.” Positive reinforcement works better anyway. And if your child doesn’t want to play, don’t make her.
MODERATION: If Junior’s stressed at school, it’s time to cut back on sports. And moderation goes for you, too. Don’t get overinvolved. Try skipping every third game or set a limit for the number of times you’ll yell your kid’s name during a match.
