Young Sports Stars With Grown-Up Fears Sports Doctor Helps Young Athletes Perform Better

 

RIVER EDGE, NJ - A young swimmer overwhelmed with negative thoughts, a teenage baseball player with low confidence, a child gymnast afraid of falling - what do they have in common? Aside from amazing athletic talent, they all suffer from psychological blocks, which is what Dr. Jay P. Granat Ph.D helps his clients overcome.

“No matter how successful child and teen sports stars are, a block can prevent them from achieving their true potential,” said Dr. Granat, who is a psychotherapist with 24 years of clinical experience and has coached thousands of athletes. “Young athletes can learn the psychology of greatness and how to deal with the doubts, fears, phobias and blocks that all athletes face, regardless of age.”

After working with Dr. Granat, who was voted “Top 10 Mental Gurus” by Golf Digest, many of his clients report improved sports performance, and reduced levels of fear, making his one-on-one sessions invaluable for young athletes and their parents.By helping clients work through fear, and teaching youngsters to relax under pressure, Dr. Granat has become an in-demand “coach of champions” and his approach has been featured on Good Morning America and in The New York Times and ESPN Magazine. Over 40 percent of his practice consists of 11 to 18-year-olds, with many parents and youngsters referring him to their friends.

“It’s especially difficult for parents to watch their child suffering,” said Dr. Granat. “After a sports failure it can be very difficult to bounce back and I see many youngsters afraid to let the team down, or they fear disappointing their parents.”

Dr. Granat advises that parents emphasize that they love their children regardless of sports performance and let kids know it’s okay to make mistakes.

“When I see over-critical parents, I also see children looking over their shoulder into the stands, afraid to mess up,” said Dr. Granat, who has written articles and books that help both child athletes and parents. “I’ve witnessed this with my own son - children place a lot of pressure on themselves and it’s up to parents to be supportive, not overly critical.”

Some parents also forget that youngsters are not adults - they need time to grow, develop and learn important skills.

“If a 14-year-old is playing tennis, they are still a 14-year-old,” said Dr. Granat. “They aren’t always going to be focused. They are going to make mistakes.”

Youngsters who lose their temper are also common in sports, and Granat works with clients to get to the root of the problem.

“Anger can lead to violence on the field, so it’s important to have ways to deal with temper problems,” said Dr. Granat, who mentioned that some children even lose scholarships due to temper problems. “Of course, there can be a complex dynamic between parents, coaches and athletes, with adults often setting a bad example for youngsters.”

Dr. Granat teaches clients to use anger management technique, visualization, self-hypnosis and meditation to help control anger.

Burnout is also a common problem in youth athletics, with parents and coaches pushing children too hard.

“Sometimes a break is needed, and the child shouldn’t be restricted to one sport only,” said Granat. “Balance is important.”

Dr. Granat offers services and products to help young athletes and parents. In addition to one-on-one sessions, Dr. Granat offers a wide-variety of books and audio programs on his web site, www.StayInTheZone.com. Topics include managing stress, staying focused and confident during sports, and dealing with test anxiety. Free article topics include “They Laughed When My Child Came Up To Bat,” and “How To Talk to Your Kids About Sports.”

Dr. Jay Granat has coached thousands of professional and student athletes and has 24 years of clinical experience. The author of several sports psychology books, he has also lectured and conducted workshops across the country. He has also worked as a university professor and was a past Vice President of the New York Society for Ericksonian Psychotherapy and Hypnosis.

 

Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes Hosts 18th Annual Take Our Children To Work Day

 

Brooklyn, NY – Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes today hosted the agency’s 18th Annual “Take Our Children To Work Day,” featuring over 80 youngsters between the ages of 6 and 15 whose parents are employed at the Office of the District Attorney.

The day was filled with diverse activities designed to introduce the youngsters to possible careers and public service. A highlight of the occasion included lectures on gangs, internet safety, computer crime, demonstrations of the use of bulletproof vests, handcuffs, and fingerprinting, and the children had their photo taken with the District Attorney. The DA’s Office also provided entertainment for the children which included a movie.

DA Hynes said his chief purpose for inviting the children to his office was for them to see first-hand what their parents actually do at work, as well as for parents to encourage a dialogue with their kids about their work life.

 

CCJ & City Parks Kids

July 8 - “Wizard of Oz/ Mago de Oz” by Children’s Educational Service, a new bilingual musical, in which Dorothy doesn’t want to go back home, instead she wants to have adventures in oz, free of homework, chores and responsibility.

July 15 - “Intergalactic Creature Side Show” by Big Nazo, funky life sized puppets that play foot-stomping rock and roll, soulful rhythm and blues.

July 22 - Ebony Hillbillies, are one of the last black string bands in America and the only string band based in NYC, consisting of fiddle, banjo, washboard and bass fiddle.

July 29 - “World Rhythms” by Tony Vacca, percussionist and Abdou SAR, dancer, an innovative percussionist who creates a unique blend of rhythm, word and drum, through a universal form of musical storytelling.

August 5 - “Behind the Scenes” with Franee the Clown, performs comely magic, storytelling and puppeteer all in one great show.

Adventures in Reading: The JNC Friends of King Park and Cultural Collaborative Jamaica will read to the children after the performances each Tuesday.

Don’t forget your blankets for seating, bring your lunch and enjoy a fun fill day in the park.

For more information call Cultural Collaborative Jamaica at (718) 526-3217 or visit www.go2ccj.org