This Week's Playbook. Somewhere around 13, the kid who used to sleep in their uniform starts leaving it in a heap by the door, floats the idea of quitting the only sport they have ever played, and asks about a brand new one you have never once heard them mention. This week is about reading that shift for what it usually is, a kid working out how they still fit in sport, so you can help them land somewhere they actually want to be.

“Confidence is built when kids discover they can handle things that didn't. That's one of the greatest gifts sports provide. Not because adversity is the goal. But because resilience is.”

—Maddie Soviero, Signature Sports Camps | Read More →

Your 13-year-old announces they are done with the sport they have played since kindergarten.

Now they want lacrosse, a sport they have never held a stick for, and your inside voice says too late.

Turns out a fresh start at 13 is one of the healthiest instincts a young athlete can have.

Here is what to say when they bring it up, and why starting over might help.

—Maddie Soviero

Or find other tips for parents here:

Your kid used to race to practice, and lately they drag their cleats across the parking lot.

You cannot tell if it is burnout, boredom, or the sport itself, and not knowing is its own headache.

Turns out nothing about the game changed, and your kid may have outgrown their level.

Here are the 2 ways a level stops fitting, and how to spot which one they are in.

—Ricky Reyes

Or add some other tools to your athlete’s toolbox:

Maddie Soviero, Signature Media

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