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How is Your Student-Athlete's Mental Fitness?

According to many studies, mental toughness, or fitness, is the key difference maker between a good athlete and a truly great athlete. Parents possess the unique perspective to make an objective evaluation about how well their children deal with the stresses of balancing school and sports or performing arts.

 

We recommend that you take a few minutes to answer the following questions to get a better understanding of just where your child may be on the spectrum of mental fitness in relation to their sport.

We invite you to begin this assessment below.

Start

Question 1 of 13

Name:

Question 2 of 13

Email address:

Question 3 of 13

My child frequently worries about making mistakes.

A

They have very high expectations of themselves so it's understandable that they're always in fear of falling short of their potential.

B

True. They're generally worried about what might go wrong.

C

Sometimes, but they have great control over their thoughts and mindset.

D

Nope. Never. They know to learn from their mistakes and they'll do better next time.

Question 4 of 13

My child gets down on themselves when they mess up during a performance. 

A

Yep. They feel like they let everyone down.

B

They try not to but it happens.

C

Once in a while but they generally know that messing up is just part of getting better.

D

Not at all. Win or lose, my child wraps up a competition in the same mood.

Question 5 of 13

My child worries about what others will think if they mess up.

A

Absolutely. They want very much to impress their teammates, coaches, and/or myself.

B

Sometimes but it usually doesn't affect their performance very much.

C

Rarely ever, They'd have to mess up REALLY badly for them to worry about what others are thinking.

D

Not at all. They are good at staying within themselves.

Question 6 of 13

My child plays worse when they feel like the pressure is on them.

A

The stress takes over and they really struggle.

B

They often get uncomfortable and play below their potential when the game is in their hands.

C

Not often. The pressure seems to make them more focused and relaxed.

D

No. They play their best when they are under the spotlight.

Question 7 of 13

The night before a big performance/game, my child doesn't sleep well or enough.

A

That's true most nights of the week not just before a big performance.

B

My child typically sleeps well enough, but before big performances it seems like the nerves and excitement get in the way

C

My child could sleep through just about anything! Don't they all?

D

My child falls asleep easily, stays asleep, and gets a solid 8 hours almost every night.

Question 8 of 13

My child complains of headaches or stomachaches at least once per week.

A

Hmm...now that I think of it, yes, they are! But doesn't everyone?

B

I don't know if it's at least once a week but definitely more often than I'd like.

C

Maybe here and there, but for the most part they seem to be ok.

D

No. My child rarely experiences either.

Question 9 of 13

My child's eating patterns...

A

Tend to vary often. Some days there isn't enough food in the house and other days they barely eat.

B

What pattern? My child is like a human garbage disposal. They'll eat pretty much anything you put in front of them.

C

Are very much in line with the recommendations for a student athlete.

Question 10 of 13

My child plays better in practice than they do in games/performances.

A

Absolutely true...very frustrating for us both

B

Usually but it can be pretty inconsistent.

C

Rarely. My child seems to play at about the same level regardless.

D

Nope. My child really shines when it's game time.

Question 11 of 13

My child seems extra irritable, has mood swings, and emotional outbursts.

A

You must know my child! But doesn't every child struggle with those issues?

B

That describes my child more than I'd like.

C

Not really, My child manages their mood and stress pretty well.

D

Not at all. My child practices mood and stress regulation techniques daily.

Question 12 of 13

I've noticed that my child withdraws from activities they used to enjoy.

A

It's almost as if they've lost interest in most things these days.

B

Sure, but I think it's normal for kids their age.

C

My child's interests are changing but they still seem to want to be involved in many activities.

D

No. They actively participate in anything that piques their interest.

Question 13 of 13

My child has a difficult time concentrating.

A

Seems like just about every day.

B

Not always - but a lot more than they would like.

C

Rarely - generally a solid student and focused athlete.

D

No - my child doesn't have any issues with concentration.

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