Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : You’re on the sidelines, cheering them on, but something feels off. Your child, who once loved the game, now seems hesitant, frustrated, or unfocused. It's easy to assume they're just having a bad season, not practicing enough, or losing interest. But often, a dip in sports performance isn't about skill or effort—it's a silent signal of performance anxiety.
The pressure to win, fear of letting down the team, and the dread of making a mistake can be overwhelming for a young athlete. As a parent, learning to spot the subtle signs of anxiety is the first step to helping them find their footing and, more importantly, their joy in the sport again. Here are the common symptoms that parents often mistake for something else.
1. The Pre-Game Jitters Become Real Ailments
What you see: Your child frequently complains of a stomachache, headache, or feeling sick right before a practice or a big game. The symptoms often magically disappear once the event is over.
What it might be: This isn't just a convenient excuse. Anxiety triggers a very real physical "fight or flight" response in the body, which can cause genuine digestive distress, nausea, and headaches. It’s their body’s way of screaming, “I’m scared of what’s about to happen!”
2. The Expert Excuse-Maker
What you see: Suddenly, forgotten homework, a surprise "project," or feeling "too tired" become regular reasons to miss practice. They may show resistance or drag their feet when it's time to get ready.
What it might be: This avoidance is a classic anxiety symptom. Instead of defiance or laziness, your child is trying to protect themselves from a situation that causes them intense fear or stress. The easiest way to avoid the fear of failure on the field is to avoid the field altogether.
3. The Harsh Inner Critic Takes Over
What you see: You overhear your child muttering things like, "I'm the worst on the team," "I'm going to mess up," or "Everyone is better than me." They focus exclusively on their mistakes, ignoring their successes.
What it might be: Anxiety thrives on negative self-talk. A child struggling with performance anxiety has an internal voice that is constantly highlighting their flaws and predicting failure. This catastrophic thinking makes it almost impossible to play with confidence.
4. The Post-Game Meltdown
What you see: Instead of shrugging off a loss or a mistake, your child becomes unusually irritable, angry, or withdrawn after a game. They might snap at you or their siblings, or shut down completely.
What it might be: This emotional volatility is often a release of pent-up stress and frustration. During the game, they held all their anxiety inside. Afterwards, the disappointment of not meeting their own (or perceived) expectations comes pouring out as anger or deep sadness.
5. The Joy Is Gone
What you see: The most telling sign of all. The sport they once begged to play has become a chore. The laughter is gone, replaced by a sense of dread or obligation.
What it might be: When anxiety is tied to an activity, it systematically strips the fun out of it. The fear of judgment and failure outweighs the love of the game. If your child's passion has turned into a source of stress, it’s a clear signal that something deeper is going on.
If these signs sound familiar, the key is to open a gentle, non-judgmental conversation. Shift the focus from winning and performance to effort, teamwork, and having fun. Remind them that your love is unconditional and has nothing to do with how they play. By understanding the root cause, you can move from being just their biggest fan to being their safest harbor.
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