We spoke with Dr. Mary Flynn, a Family Practice physician who works at Reliant’s Neponset St. office about ways children and their families can prepare for a new sports season.

Q: Can you share some thoughts that parents need to think about as a new year of school athletics begins?

For safety, it’s important for every child to have had a physical exam within the last year of a new season. You should also encourage your child to be as active as possible before they start organized sports. Fundamental motor skills such as running, leaping, throwing and kicking are not only essential for everyday functioning but are also key building blocks for playing in higher-level, organized sports.

Q: What advice do you have for parents who may be feeling anxious about allowing their child to play sports?

While there is always risk of injury in sports, I think the health benefits outweigh the risks, even in contact sports. In addition to the direct health benefits of regular exercise, the American Academy of Pediatrics believes that participating in sports helps improve academic performance, benefits mood and self-esteem, and promotes lifelong activity. In addition, many children develop long-lasting relationships with their peers through sports.

Q: What do you say to children and teens who may be anxious about performing well?

I tell them to try to just enjoy playing sports and not put too much pressure on themselves. After all, athletics are supposed to be fun. If your child isn’t happy it might be best to find a different sport or another activity for them. Some children prefer intramural sports or just playing pick-up games with their friends as these are less competitive.

Q: Do you have any specific advice for parents of young children who are just starting out in team sports?

For younger kids, emphasize learning and having fun in their chosen sport. At this age, developing skills is what they should concentrate on, not winning or losing. Remember, it’s not the Olympics!

Q: Any advice for older kids?

One thing I would caution on is that early specialization in a single sport and intensive, year-round training can increase the risk of overuse injury, mental stress, and burnout. Playing only a single sport could also prevent your child from developing a variety of different motor skills that other sports would allow them to learn.

Q: Is it okay for my child to lift weights to gain strength?

Teens and adolescents can benefit from weight training in addition to regular practice on the field. This can reduce the possibility of serious injuries to different joints as well as improve performance. Always start slowly with lighter weights, gradually progressing to heavier loads. Make sure you don’t lift weights that are too heavy which could cause an injury.

Q: Is there a way to help young athletes reduce anxiety before an important game or performance?

Visualization exercises can be helpful. Many athletes use this as a way of improving confidence and reducing their anxiety. Basically, you envision performing a task successfully on the field. For instance, a field goal kicker would visualize the ball going through the uprights before the kick. Many pro athletes use visualization exercises, your child can too.

Q: Final thoughts?

The most important thing to remember is that school sports should be a fun activity that promotes health, confidence and teamwork. Encouraging your children to play sports is a good idea but putting too much pressure on them to perform well is not. Just use your common sense and make sports a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy.