A study from the American Academy of Pediatrics confirms the alarming statistic that 70% of kids quit youth sports by age 13. There are several reasons why this number is so high and many of them are very normal; puberty and a change in hormones can have a dramatic effect on your child’s emotions and interests, academics can often become more challenging at this age, and kids feel pulled in too many directions. Electronics, social media, and hanging out with friends can become a higher priority than sports. Also, there are fewer options for kids at the recreational level, and if they aren’t interested in playing club sports, their opportunities become greatly diminished. Or kids simply discover other activities that interest them more.

But there is one reason kids quit, that isn’t normal. It’s a byproduct of the intense pressure adults have created in youth sports… it’s called burnout. Unfortunately, more and more kids are quitting because they are exhausted, stressed, and overworked. They have lost the joy and love for their sport.

Sometimes it’s obvious, and sometimes it can be more difficult to spot. But there are nine signs of burnout to keep your eye out for. If you catch it early, you can hopefully keep them from becoming part of that 70% of kids who quit sports.

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