Elevating Spirits: A Mental Health Guide for Cheer Parents

Spotting the Signs: Mental Health Challenges in Cheer

Be alert for these potential issues:

• Extreme anxiety before performances or competitions
• Obsessive behavior about weight or appearance
• Frustration or self-doubt during skill progression (tumbling, stunts)
• Difficulty coping with team dynamics or pressure

Early recognition can prevent minor concerns from becoming major obstacles.

Building the Pyramid: Fostering Positive Self-Image

Cheerleading’s emphasis on appearance can impact self-esteem. Help your cheerleader:

• Focus on strength and skills rather than body shape
• Appreciate their unique contributions to the team
• Develop a healthy relationship with food and exercise

Encourage positive self-talk: “My body is strong and capable” instead of “I’m not thin enough.”

Sticking the Landing: Handling Performance Pressure

Competition can be intense. Teach your cheerleader to:

• Use visualization techniques before performances
• Develop a pre-routine ritual to calm nerves
• Focus on controllable factors like technique and effort
• Breathe deeply to center themselves before stunts or tumbling passes

Base of Support: Your Role in Emotional Well-being

Be the steady foundation your cheerleader needs:

• Listen without judgment after tough practices or competitions
• Praise effort, improvement, and teamwork—not just wins
• Encourage interests outside of cheer for a balanced life
• Model healthy coping strategies and body positivity

Tumbling Through Challenges: Building Resilience

Help your cheerleader bounce back from setbacks:

• Treat mistakes as learning opportunities
• Celebrate small victories and personal bests
• Encourage journaling to track progress and emotions
• Remind them that temporary struggles don’t define their cheer journey

Team Huddle: Promoting Open Communication

Create a safe space for your cheerleader to share:

• Ask open-ended questions about their experiences and feelings
• Discuss goals together, and help ensure they’re realistic and personal
• Be available to listen, even if it’s just about their favorite cheer teams

Calling for a Spotter: When to Seek Professional Help

Consider professional support if you notice:

• Persistent anxiety or depression symptoms
• Signs of disordered eating or negative body image
• Inability to cope with team pressure or competition stress
• Extreme fear of injury affecting performance

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Safety Check: A Note on Injury Prevention

While focusing on mental health, don’t overlook physical safety. Help ensure your cheerleader:

• Follows proper progression in skill development
• Communicates any physical discomfort or fears to coaches
• Understands the importance of proper technique in preventing injuries
• Plan ahead for reassurance: When you know you can be covered in case of an unexpected injury or illness, you can focus more on supporting your young athlete. Sports insurance or reimbursement plans can help ease the financial burden, allowing you to stay calm during challenging times.

Mental and physical well-being go hand in hand in this demanding sport. By supporting your cheerleader’s mental health, you can help them build a foundation that can serve them long after the last “Go team!”

Your role isn’t just to cheer from the sidelines, it’s to be the spotter in your child’s mental and emotional stunts. By fostering open communication, promoting a healthy self-image, and recognizing when additional support is needed, you can help your cheerleader build a pyramid of skills that will elevate them in all areas of life.

Help Protect Every Stunt and Step with Confidence

With pomi’s youth cheerleading insurance, you can help ensure every jump, tumble, and cheer is covered. Choose from flexible coverage options or combine them for more protection—so your cheerleader can keep lifting spirits and reaching new heights, worry-free!