3 Tips For Parents of Youth Athletes

Registration for youth spring sports has begun in the Westchase area. The  is offering basketball (3-14) soccer (5-10) and cheerleading (5-10.) The deadline to register is March 24.

Westchase Patch recently sat down with Dr. Kim Gibson, a physician at Doctors Express Urgent Care, located just outside of Westchase at 6182 Gunn Highway to discuss what parents should pay attention to as they get their children ready for sports season.

1. Get your child to open up - Parents should attend some of their child's sports practices, speak to their trainers and check in with them to see how they feel while playing, Dr. Gibson said. "Showing that concern may get them to open up about their performance." By doing so, parents may be able to detect if their child is having difficulty while playing their sport.
2. Accompany children in the exam room - "Parents should be in the exam room," Dr. Gibson said. "They are minor children." By going in the room when your child is getting their sports physical and being observant a parent may detect an irregular change in their child's body. Parents can also ask the doctor questions they may have about their child's ability to perform in their sport.
3. Exercise with your child - If your child is interested in playing a sport, begin to exercise with them to see their endurance level. Most children should be able to outperform their parents by far, Dr. Gibson said. If not, it may be time to get your child more active before engaging in a competitive sport.

Does your child need a physical for spring sports? Contact Doctor's Express by calling: 813-960-1100. For more information about youth sports at the Tampa YMCA contact Chrise Roese by e-mail at: chris.roese@tampaymca.org