Team of Experts

With the fall sports season in full swing, it is important for parents to remember that, no matter how talented your child may be, there are going to be days when he doesn't play his best or when, despite his best effort, his team loses. How you manage both the ups and the inevitable downs will play a large role in whether your child has a successful youth sports experience.

Sweating results in the loss of both electrolytes (particularly sodium) and water. Orange juice, moderate salting of food in the diet, and sports drinks help replace electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride lost during sports. 

Surprising, as it may seem, the most important part of an athlete's diet isn't what they eat, it is what and how much they drink. Drinking fluids before, during and after sports is especially important for preadolescent children because they have special fluid needs compared to adults, or even teenagers. As a parent or coach, you are responsible for taking precautions to prevent heat illnesses in exercising children and making sure they drink enough fluids.