Sharkie Zartman's New Book Helps Parents Win at Kids Sports
ECC alumna Sharkie Zartman's bestselling new book "#Hey Sports Parents!" was recently released, just in time for spring/summer sports. Zartman partners with sports physician Dr. Robert A. Weil to present this book that aims to ensure children get the most from the sports they participate in with fewer injuries and increased positive support from parents. The authors have over 70 years of youth sports experience between them and share their insights in their new book published by Spoilers Press, noting: "Sports parenting is easier said than done. It's difficult to watch our kids play a sport and not have any control over the outcome. And it's challenging to stay calm and supportive while helping our kids navigate the terrain of choices available to them. However, if done properly, this experience can be very rewarding."
The book is organized into four sections. "Sporting Parenting" discusses the benefits of youth sports, the pitfalls and risks, how to find the best program for your child, parental roles and responsibilities, parental coaching, nutrition, how to help your child through the college recruiting process, and stress management for parents. In "The Sports Doctor Is In," Weil covers keeping young athletes safe, youth sports and drugs, choosing the best shoes for your athlete, orthotics, prodigy sports, and the very real risks of contact sports for kids. A variety of youth sports experts contribute to "The Experts Speak Out" section. Dr. Denise McDermott shares the connection of youth athletes and mind medicine; Dr. Steve Horwitz examines youth sports safety, Ian Goldberg, the creator of Isport360, discusses the behavior of sports parents on the sidelines; and Dr. Holly Benjamin and Dr. Claire Gross discuss youth concussions and sports. The final section, "Parent Perspectives," offers inspiration and insights from parents on the challenges and sacrifices they made for their child to reach the top level of their sport.
Zartman is a professor at El Camino College, a certified holistic health coach, radio host and a No. 1 bestselling author. She was a member of the USA national volleyball team and a champion competitor at UCLA, where her jersey was retired. Weil is a sports podiatrist who has treated many of the world's premier athletes in a wide variety of sports. He is the host of The Sports Doctorâ„¢ radio show and has written many articles for newspapers and magazines on sports parenting.