Back to School and Fall Sports: Tips to Help Keep Kids Safe in New Environments

 

For parents and guardians with kids heading back to school, and for coaches and sport administrators checking their rosters and preparing for the first day of fall sports, back to school is a busy time. It’s a time to gather school supplies, sporting equipment, and refamiliarize yourself with a routine after a long summer break. 

While you’re busily arranging carpools for your child, or preparing for your first team practice as a coach, it’s the perfect opportunity to pause and consider how you can help keep kids safe and comfortable in the new environments they’ll find themselves in.

Read the full article to explore helpful tips, like the ones listed below, and get the tools you need to help the children in your life transition smoothly this fall into new activities. 

Parents: 

• Check in regularly. As the season starts, check in with your child regularly to see how they’re doing and how they’re feeling. Checking in with their coach can also help you understand how your child is adjusting to their new environment. 

Coaches: 

• Know what to look out for. Recognizing inappropriate behavior early can help you address it before it turns into something more, like hazing or bullying. Knowing what to look out for will help you maintain a positive sport environment on your team.