August 7, 2025
Lifestyle · Training
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August is the time for last barbecues, late nights... and the first preparations for the children's return to sports . For young athletes, the return to basketball or volleyball is fast approaching...
A few simple adjustments to sleep , gear , activity , and mindset can turn a stressful back-to-school season into a calm and motivating one. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them to help your child get the season off to a great start.
August is the time for last barbecues, late nights... and the first preparations for the children's return to sports . For young athletes, the return to basketball or volleyball is fast approaching...
A few simple adjustments to sleep , gear , activity , and mindset can turn a stressful back-to-school season into a calm and motivating one. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them to help your child get the season off to a great start.
During the summer, schedules become more flexible: children go to bed late, sleep in the morning, and sometimes spend hours in front of screens. But once the school year begins, the shock can be brutal. Fatigue , decreased concentration at school, and the risk of injury quickly increase.
Sleep plays a key role in muscle recovery and emotional management. A child who sleeps poorly will be more irritable, less motivated, and more physically fragile. A good night's sleep is essential for children to successfully return to sports without fatigue or discouragement.
Many experts recommend gradually reestablishing sleep schedules 1 to 2 weeks before school starts to ease the transition. ( Born and Grow. )
Practical tip:
Maintain this rhythm even on weekends to stabilize the biological clock.
Imagine: It's the day of the first training session, and you realize the shoes are too small or the water bottle is missing. The result? Stress for the parents and frustration for the child.
Proper equipment is not just about comfort. also directly affects performance and safety. Poorly fitting shoes can cause injuries. A heavy bag can also
Giving children the opportunity to choose their equipment (shoes, ball, bag, etc.) or involving them in its preparation fosters their engagement and confidence, which can improve their motivation and participation. Research such as that of the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy (CAPL) shows that motivation and a sense of competence are strongly correlated with effort and daily physical activity.
Practical tip:
After a quieter summer, some young people want to make up for lost time by resuming training too intensely. A classic mistake! The body needs a gradual rehabilitation phase to avoid injuries, aches, and discouragement.
💡 After a summer break, children's return to sports should be gradual. This reduces the risk of injury. Experts recommend starting again at about 50% of their usual activity level , then increasing the load or intensity by about 10% per week . This way, the young athlete can get back to full rhythm in 4 to 6 weeks , in a safe and motivating way.
👉According to Connecticut Children's , returning to training too abruptly after a break can increase the risk of injury. Instead, experts recommend a gradual return to training: warm-ups, shorter sessions, and then a gradual increase in intensity.
Practical tip:
Back to school can already be stressful. Between new days at school, homework, and schedule adjustments, children need to find their balance. Imposing performance expectations too quickly or pushing for victory from the very first sessions risks discouraging rather than motivating a young athlete.
On the contrary, valuing effort , the pleasure of playing , and personal progress creates fertile ground for confidence. Consequently , it also strengthens commitment and perseverance. With the school load increasing in September , sport must remain a space for balance and pleasure, not a source of additional stress.
According to Lucile Woodward , developing a strong mentality in children requires a positive play atmosphere, sincere encouragement, and progress that respects their pace.
Active for Life also reminds us that recognizing a child's determination and courage in their sports activities helps prevent discouragement and giving up.
Practical tip:
By preparing your children for their return to sports with a little organization and a lot of kindness, you can help your child get through the season in the best possible conditions. A good sleep routine, equipment prepared in advance, a gradual return to training, and encouragement focused on effort rather than results are simple but powerful keys.
At Stallion Sport Club , we believe that the success of a young athlete is not only measured in points or victories, but above all in the pleasure of playing, the confidence he develops and the support of those around him.
👉 To complete the preparation, we also recommend our guide Nutrition and Hydration: The Parent's Guide to Supporting a Young Athlete , perfect for adopting good habits from the start of the school year.
🔗 Register your child today and give them a successful start to the school year.
Sport for children and adolescents is not just a game, but a real school of life where one learns discipline, self-confidence and the joy of sharing one's successes with others.
📍 Located in the west-of-the island of Montreal , Stallion Sport Club offers adapted programs from young age.
👉 Contact us to discover our schedules
Sports Association of the Montreal Region for non -profit.
