Growing up, I was a fairly active child. My friends and I climbed our neighbors’ aratiles, mango and makopa trees, slid down roofs with only gutters to stop our bony butts and biked helmet-less in the sun. Lunchtime at school was not for eating; it was always for an intense game of patintero, Chinese garter, cops and robbers or piko. My pork chop and cold rice soaked in Knorr seasoning would have to wait to be eaten on the ride home.

Because I took the school bus, I sometimes envied classmates who got to join varsity teams as they had ways to go home after school. I finally did get into sports in college, when I could manage my time and commute home.

I shared these stories with my children to remind them how fortunate they are to explore whatever sport they fancied because they had me to drive them around and their father to support their activities.

Parents of kids in sports take on the same commitment young athletes do; we often wake up earlier, prepare the gear and food and sweat through the same venue, be it a sweltering field, pool, dojo, court or gym. Weekends are often sacrificed for such activities and become a whole-day affair. Some families have even gone as far as migrating to follow their children’s dreams of turning pro and playing at their sport’s highest level.

Best practices

Former New York Knicks doctor Erwin Valencia has seen professional athletes in action and has treated them so they can perform their best. He also runs the Grasshopper Project, a nonprofit mentorship program that champions the next generation of thought leaders and authentic change-makers in the health, wellness and performance spaces through mindful mentorship and conscious coaching.

I asked him: What are some best practices of pros that young athletes can emulate if they want to go pro?

I was half expecting him to tell anecdotes of how Tiger Woods played golf, how Michael Jordan sank hoops even through birthdays and Christmas, or some quotable quote on how practice makes perfect. Instead, he advised, “Put the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects at the forefront of who they are, and allow the physical attributes to come as they develop accordingly.”

Valencia added that parents of young athletes can help their kids keep playing at their best long-term by encouraging them to be more versatile—in everything they do. “Help them understand the value of hard work, resilience, and where food comes from,” Valencia said.

For children who aren’t well-coordinated, what are the safest sports to get them moving but avoid injury? “The key is variety—it allows kids to develop into more well-rounded individuals. Soccer or football is great for kids. Martial arts have been a game changer in my life—mentally, physically, and emotionally,” he said.

Not recommended

However, there are sports he considers unsafe or not recommended for youngsters, such as American football and rugby, if not done safely. These sports have high incidences of traumatic brain injury (TBI), among other physical hazards.

For kids doing high-contact sports, what can they do to protect themselves from getting hurt? Perhaps strength training or practicing how to fall? Valencia said that a good strength and skills coach in their sport who prioritizes their well-being is critical.

What family-friendly activities does he suggest for couch potato families who want to start moving? “Go for post-meal walks either as a family or as pairs,” encouraged Valencia. “Not only does it help move things around in our body, but it also allows us to create deeper connections with those we love.”

What about the best nutrition to complement a young athlete? Is any particular supplementation necessary? “Stay away from high sugar content drinks and energy drinks. Be as natural as possible. Eat more and a variety of vegetables and fruit as part of daily habits at an early age,” he said.

In youth sports, what does he see being done a lot that people shouldn’t be doing due to it being outdated or not scientifically accurate? What should they be doing instead? Said Valencia, “Forcing kids to stay at one sport and treating them like pro athletes from an early age from the get-go due to fear that ‘they won’t get better.’ Let kids be kids.” —CONTRIBUTED