Are your child's grades slipping while they focus on sports? Here are some ways to strike a balance

BIRMINGHAM, Mich. (WXYZ) - Sports can be rewarding for your kids -- physically, mentally, and socially. But in some cases, children can begin to see their studies slide.

"The school grades start to drop significantly, parents aren't told when tests are, homework is not being handed in," explained Dr. Tracey Stulberg, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Birmingham.

"So when all those things are happening, [parents] have got to take charge. You've got to say -- Okay, okay, we need to regroup," she added.

SET PRIORITIES

Dr. Stulberg said it's important for parents to make a list of priorities for their kids so you are all on the same page.

From school to sports to chores, parents need to let their children know that school work comes first.

REWARDS AND REPERCUSSIONS

Parents should spell out the rewards and repercussions related to these expectations involved in balancing school work with athletics.

Students should know the ground rules going in and parents need to follow through with their part of the game plan.  That includes rewarding children when they're doing a good job in school while also punishing them appropriately if they're dropping the ball on their responsibilities.

"For example if there's a problem, tell them the only time you do sports is when these other things are being done and maybe we did not make that very clear," said Dr. Stulberg.
 

HELP CHILD PRACTICE TIME MANAGEMENT

Grown-ups know time management is a challenge in our hectic lives, but a child may be feeling overwhelmed for the very first time. 

As children start getting more and more homework, hours of practice time can start to work against them.

Dr. Stulberg recommends that parents help teach the child how to practice time management.

"Lead by example," said Dr. Stulberg.  "And learn to read the signs that some tweaking is necessary in relation to the sport commitment."

If a huge assignment is due the day after the big game, help them map out their week so their project is finished ahead of time.

DON'T LIVE VICARIOUSLY THROUGH YOUR CHILD

It's natural for parents to want their children to succeed in life.  But if your dreams for them look a lot like activities you did or would have loved to do, it's time to do some soul searching.

"To whom is the sport more important?  Make sure it's not you." said Dr. Stulberg.

The best way to do this is by having some open, honest converstaions with your children.  And listen to them so you know if this sport is truly their passion.