


Early sport specialization vs. multi-sport for your child
Multi-sport means that a child participates in two or more sports in a calendar year, when affordable and practical for their family.

10 things I know about being an elite athlete
The journey of elite athletes isn’t always the fairytale we see it sold as. It’s so much more nuanced, robust, and interesting than that.

How to handle a bad coach as a parent: 6 tips for effective communication
Wondering how to handle bad behaviour from your child’s coach, such as yelling or demeaning comments? Here are some practical suggestions for how to address it tactfully.

When fun turns to stress: Why we pressed pause on competitive sports
Is your child feeling overcommitted to or overwhelmed by competitive sports? Here’s how you can help address it.

Academic success proven to be one of the big benefits of youth sports
An Australian study finds that kids who participate in sports are more likely to do better on tests, have better school attendance, and be accepted to university.

If your child wants to quit their sport, let them
There are valid reasons why kids decide to quit a sport, and it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Here are some tips for navigating this with your child.

My daughters preferred playing on mixed-gender sports teams over all-female ones
A mom shares insight into her daughters’ preference for mixed-gender sports teams, fostering equality and diverse friendships.

Mental training for athletes: Helping youth in sports excel and find joy
It’s not just pro athletes who benefit from mental training—young athletes can too! Learn what your child has to gain here.

Is your child playing the wrong sport?
Is your child truly enjoying their sport? Learn how to prevent them from playing the wrong one and maximize the benefits of sports for kids.

Was that behaviour in your child’s sport acceptable?
Flag Tool for Sport is a new tool designed by PlaySafe BC to help you determine whether your child has been treated appropriately in sport.

Kin-Ball: The amazingly fun sport you’ve probably never heard of
Kin-Ball is a fast-paced, interactive sport that engages a wide range of skills, while promoting physical activity, sportsmanship, and teamwork.

5 things to do if your child is on a team that loses (all the time)
It’s tough to watch our kids try and fail—again and again. Here are some tips for supporting your child when their team often loses.

How maturity affects your child’s sport performance
Kids go through the stages of growth and development at different times, which can result in very different sports performance.

What you need to know about your kids, sports, and mental health
Not only professional athletes face mental health issues. Learn what to be aware of when it comes to your child, sports, and mental health.

Revisiting the discussion: Does your kid suck?
In this Q&A, we take questions from and offer advice to parents who are concerned about their kids struggling in sports.

9 low-cost sports: Keep your kids moving without breaking the bank
Kids’ sports can be expensive, but there are some low-cost options out there! Check out this list of affordable sports your child can try.

5 reasons tweens and teens drop out of sports—and what to do about it
Some kids’ activity levels drop off once they enter the teen years? Here’s why—plus tips for how you can keep your teens involved in sport.

What to do when your child’s just not into sports
Participating in sports is just one way kids can grow up active and healthy. If your child isn’t into sports, try these alternative ideas.

How to be a great sports parent during and after COVID-19
Our young athletes need us more than ever to help create the right circumstances for their development during this challenging time.

Tips for getting active with your non-sporty child
Growing up, my son just wasn’t into in sports. I’ve since learned that sports are just one way to be active—and that physical activity should be enjoyable.

Is competition in sports healthy for kids?
Many parents have asked me if I think competition is healthy for kids. Is it healthy? Is it “toxic”? Does it diminish self-confidence?

Fight for your right to play
Casual sport and neighbourhood play are important. But as our urban centres grow, competition for our public spaces increases as well.

Active for Life podcast: How to support your child athlete
In this episode, Active for Life editor-in-chief Richard Monette talks with John O’Sullivan, founder of Changing the Game Project.

Redefining success: 8 tips for being a great sports parent
Here are some things you can do to increase your child’s chances of finding success and fulfillment in their sport.