Parents and Coaches please join us on Monday November 24th from 6:30-7:30pm at The Gryph Lounge Room 131 as we present Beyond The Bench Speakers Series hosted by Homewood Health and Public Health.
Beyond the Bench aims to shift the perspectives of parents, guardians and coaches around the well-being of young athletes by helping them strengthen their role as positive mentors by:
- 1.
Increasing awareness and understanding of the importance of mental
wellness in youth sports.
- 2.
Educating about the risks associated with substance use,
gambling and gaming among youth.
- 3.
Providing tools to help youth develop resilience, coping
skills and critical thinking for healthy decision-making.
Key Messages:
·
Youth – including young athletes – are navigating a complex
world –
they will inevitably encounter risks such as gambling, substance use and
digital overexposure. If they don’t have the right “tools in their toolkit”,
they may struggle to make informed, healthy decisions.
·
Mentors matter – as a parent, guardian and/or coach, your influence
can help shape how youth think, cope and respond to challenges. Modeling and
practicing critical thinking and decision-making with them builds lifelong
skills that go far beyond sports.
·
Mind the gap – the generational divide between youth and adults is
wider than ever, not only in technology but also social norms. Understanding
these differences helps you connect more effectively and become a more
supportive and relatable mentor.