Parents Weigh Pros and Cons of Teen Playing Tackle Football
Jim Daly
Focus on the Family
A weekly advice column written by Jim Daly, Focus on the Family draws upon a deep, abiding Christian faith to help heal broken marriages and troubled families, built on a foundation of “the power of hope and second chances.” Focus on the Family’s sound, Christian guidance gives readers helpful answers on how to navigate a steady path in an uncertain world.
Q: Our 14-year-old son convinced us to let him play tackle football this year. My husband is "all-in," but I'm super worried about the injury risk. What's your take?
Jim: My wife would say I need a disclaimer. I personally love football, but I also know firsthand how rough it can be — my playing days ended with a significant shoulder injury in high school. Football is one of many great sports that teach kids good qualities like teamwork. But parents and children need to be aware of the risks associated with such a rough contact sport.
In recent years, we've all heard the stories and statistics about concussions, in particular. On a broader scale, encompassing all sports, studies by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons show that young people are facing more serious injuries than ever before — torn ligaments, neck and knee injuries, strained joints and muscles, etc. — all from high school athletics. Thankfully, much progress is being made with better equipment and practice regimens, but the potential damage is a real concern.
Now I'm certainly not slamming youth sports. But we parents may need to help our kids find the balance between athletics and other, less physically demanding activities. Even young and energetic teens need time to rest and recuperate, just like the rest of us.
If and when our kids get hurt, we shouldn't push them back out on the field too soon. Playing when you're injured isn't tough — it's negligent. Along those lines, make sure that coaches and trainers are properly qualified to assess injuries (especially concussions), and are fully committed to placing player safety above any other outcome. If the coach's perspective is "win at all costs," your child will be better off playing elsewhere or trying a different activity.
Q: My nine-year-old daughter has a really hard time dealing with new situations. Whether it's starting a new school year or attending summer camp, new people and places always make her uneasy. How can I help her handle new things better?
Dr. Danny Huerta, Vice President, Parenting & Youth: New social situations tend to make some children apprehensive, especially if they're filtering the situation through a negative lens. Kids need three foundational things to help them face new situations with a more positive viewpoint.
1. They need to belong. Many children spend tons of emotional energy trying to fit in with a certain group of kids because they think they'll gain a sense of belonging. But genuine belonging means being an integral part of something. Talk with your daughter about her insecurities and about other kids' opinions of what's "cool" and what's not. Guide her in discovering places where she can feel — or already feels — a sense of belonging even with her own "baggage." Help her recognize that most of her peers also carry an "emotional backpack" full of insecurities. Remind her of the safety that comes from belonging within your family.
2. They need to feel they have worth. Many kids are afraid of messing up or being ridiculed in new situations. They dread lacking control or having their imperfections exposed. Affirm your daughter's worth even with her unique imperfections. She is a one-of-a-kind person who's interesting to know.
3. They need to feel that they're good at something. We all crave the confidence that comes from knowing we excel at something. It's common for kids to have abilities they don't think their peers or friends value. Guide your child through an honest inventory of her talents and skills. Encourage her to continue discovering what she's good at — or could be good at with some effort. And show her why those things matter.
For more tips, see FocusOnParenting.com.
Jim Daly is a husband and father, an author and president of Focus on the Family. He is also the host of the Focus on the Family radio program. Catch up with him at jimdaly.focusonthefamily.com or at Facebook.com/JimDalyFocus.
Distributed by Andrews McMeel Syndication. Copyright © 2025. Used with permission.