Do you want to exercise more, improve your fitness, or simply have a more active routine, but going to the gym doesn’t sound all that appealing? Research has linked sports participation in adults to better psychological well-being, including greater life satisfaction and lower levels of stress. And staying active doesn’t have to mean following a traditional gym routine. Sports like volleyball also keep your body moving and can help develop different physical abilities while y

When a child doesn’t get enough sleep, studying, playing sports, and even keeping up with everyday activities the next day can become much more difficult. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, getting the recommended amount of sleep is associated with better attention, learning, memory, emotional regulation, and physical and mental health. On the other hand, regularly getting too little sleep is associated with attention, behavior, and learning problems. So, is

Does your child do well during practice but freeze up when it’s time for a game? Or get so frustrated after making a mistake that they don’t want to practice anymore? For some young athletes, the fear of making mistakes can become stronger than the willingness to try. And while mistakes are part of learning any sport, the way children and teens learn to deal with them can influence their confidence. A study of 336 young athletes in team sports, including volleyball, found a s

After weeks of following a different routine, kids and teens also need time to adjust to more structured days. During summer break, habits can change significantly. Some kids spend more time playing and staying active, while others may spend more time in front of screens or go to bed and wake up later. Once school starts, much of the day is once again dedicated to classes, studying, and homework. But the beginning of a new school year can also be an opportunity to look beyond

At some point in adulthood, the way we think about physical activity begins to change. Staying active is no longer just about appearance. It becomes about having more energy, taking care of our health, managing weight gain, and preparing our bodies to age with greater strength, mobility, and quality of life. According to Healthy People 2030, only 26.4% of U.S. adults met both the aerobic and muscle-strengthening physical activity guidelines in 2024. For those who have been aw

Making new friends as a teenager or adult isn't always easy. As life becomes busier with school, work, family, and other responsibilities, opportunities to meet new people become less frequent. At the same time, while technology makes it easier to stay connected, it doesn't always replace the meaningful relationships that grow through shared experiences. In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General released a report warning that loneliness and social isolation have become a growing publ

Many people believe volleyball is only for kids or athletes who started playing at a young age. The truth is, it's never too late to learn a new sport, stay active, and enjoy all the physical, mental, and social benefits volleyball has to offer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regular physical activity helps improve mental health, sleep quality, brain function, and overall well-being while reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Whether you'r

(Without Extra Work for Your Staff) Schools are constantly looking for new ways to enrich students' experiences beyond the classroom. According to UNESCO, well-designed sports programs help develop self-confidence, communication, teamwork, and healthy lifestyle habits. Among the many extracurricular activities available today, volleyball stands out for promoting cooperation, communication, coordination, and problem-solving while creating an environment where children can lear

Does your child say they don't like sports? Do they avoid physical activities or lose interest after just a few practices? If so, you're not alone. This is a common concern for many parents. But have you ever considered that it might not mean your child truly dislikes sports? In many cases, the issue is something else. They may simply not have found an activity that matches their personality, interests, or stage of development. The way children are introduced to sports also m

This is not medical advice, seek help from a nutritionist for your specific case Practice starts at 9:00 a.m. The backpack is packed, the water bottle is full, and your child can't wait to get on the court. But before practice is even over, many children begin to show signs of fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or low energy. This doesn't always happen because of the heat or the intensity of the workout. In many cases, what children eat and drink before and after practice pla

Summer is one of the most anticipated times of the year for children. With school out, no daily homework, and fewer structured routines, it feels like the perfect opportunity to relax, play, and enjoy a well-deserved break. For many parents, however, summer also brings a common challenge: how do you keep your child active, engaged, and learning without turning the break into an extension of the classroom? When the school routine pauses, screens naturally begin to take up more

It’s not always possible to take your child to the volleyball court. Between busy family schedules, the weather, summer season and everyday commitments, many parents look for simple ways to help their kids practice volleyball at home without needing much space or special equipment. And those moments are well worth making time for. Research highlighted by the Project Play initiative from the Aspen Institute shows that children who participate in sports develop important cognit

Summer should be synonymous with fun, movement, and new experiences. But for many parents in Maryland, this time of year comes with a common concern: how to keep children busy, active, and away from screens during the holidays? Without the school routine, it’s natural for the time spent on cell phones, video games, and tablets to increase. And while moments of rest are important, too much sedentary time can impact children’s physical, social, and emotional development. Guidel

On August 30, 2023, a historic event shook the sports world, miles away from the bright lights of Friday night football. In Lincoln, Nebraska, 92,003 fans packed Memorial Stadium. They weren't there for a college football game. They were there to watch a women’s collegiate volleyball match between Nebraska and Omaha. That breathtaking sea of red wasn't just celebrating a game; they were witnessing a cultural shift. Across the United States, volleyball has become the number on

It is a staggering statistic that keeps youth sports directors and parents up at night: about 70% of children drop out of organized sports by the age of 13. Parents across the DMV (DC, Maryland, and Virginia) region often ask the same questions: Why is my child losing interest in sports? How do I know if my kid is burnt out? What starts as an exciting journey into youth athletics frequently ends in frustration, stress, and a closet full of unused gear. To understand why kids

You've probably experienced this scenario: your child spends the day at school, comes home with homework to complete, and then wants to grab a phone, turn on a video game, or watch another episode of their favorite show. With screens becoming an increasingly common part of everyday life, finding a healthy balance can feel nearly impossible. Many parents find themselves asking questions like: Can too much screen time affect my child's well-being? How can I encourage healthier

For many parents, watching their child stand on the sidelines of the playground instead of joining the group can bring a small wave of worry. Shyness and introversion are perfectly healthy personality traits, but prolonged social withdrawal can sometimes prevent little ones from developing essential life skills. The instinct to protect them from what feels uncomfortable is natural. Yet, one of the most powerful gifts we can give introverted children is the opportunity to be p

After school, it’s common for parents to look for activities to keep their children active, especially since children and adolescents are recommended by the World Health Organization to get at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity. Even with that in mind, it’s not always clear what the best option is: recreation or structured sports. Both involve movement and are important for childhood development, but they work in very different ways. Understanding this difference hel

Choosing your child's first organized activity is a big decision. With so many options available, how do you know which program is right for your 3 or 4 year old? Here are five things every parent should look for. 1. Age-Appropriate Programming The program should be specifically designed for your child's age group, not a scaled-down version of an adult program. Look for modified equipment, shorter class durations (30-45 minutes is ideal for preschoolers), and activities that

You have probably heard the term physical literacy floating around in parenting circles. But what does it actually mean and why does it matter for your 3 or 4 year old? Physical Literacy: More Than Just Exercise Physical literacy is the ability to move with confidence and competence in a wide range of physical activities. It is not about being an elite athlete. It is about giving your child the foundation to enjoy movement for life. Just as we teach children to read so they c