How to Communicate My Desire to Not Continue Playing School Sports to My Parents
As I prepare to enter my junior year of high school, I’ve been reflecting on my experiences with school sports. Having tried basketball and lacrosse in the past—both of which I did not enjoy—I currently participate in football, though my interest is waning. The core issue isn’t a lack of interest in exercise itself; I genuinely enjoy activities like working out and running. Instead, my discomfort stems from the pressure I feel during team practices and games. The fear of making mistakes often leaves me feeling as though my teammates resent me, which adds to my anxiety.
The anticipation leading up to sporting events, including football games and even practice sessions, causes me significant stress. Just knowing there’s a late afternoon practice can make me feel physically ill and distract me from my academic responsibilities. Next year, I plan to enroll in four AP classes with the goal of raising my GPA above a 4.0, and I believe that stepping away from sports might help me focus more on my studies.
My parents are particularly insistent that I continue playing high school sports, but I need guidance on how to approach this conversation honestly and respectfully. How can I effectively communicate to my parents that I wish to prioritize my mental health and academic goals over participating in sports, without causing conflict?