More and more children are taking part in recreational and competitive sports in the U.S. This is a great thing, but we are also beginning to see more injuries in young players, especially overuse injuries.

Overuse injuries occur when there is damage to the bone, muscle, ligament or tendon due to repetitive stress. A repetitive injury is unlike a broken bone or torn tendon, which happens instantly. Overuse injuries usually stem from doing too much too soon, doing too much of one particular activity or from using improper technique.

Causes

Teens are bombarded by others’ expectations of them.

Their parents expect them to behave well, get good grades and do their chores.

Teachers expect them to keep quiet, listen attentively in class and get their homework in on time.

And their peers—oh, their peers!

Make no mistake: Teens are expected to dress, act, speak and be cool in ways only other teenagers can understand.

If they don’t do this? They risk being ridiculed or bullied in person and across social media.

Being a teenager is tougher than it’s ever been.

Sports have become an important part of many kids' lives, which means it has become an important part of their parents’ lives as well.

We all want our kids to be successful at whatever they do, but sometimes we worry that we are not doing enough, or doing it right for that matter. It can be stressful. But, it doesn’t have to be.

Kids all over are gearing up for the start of school and before the daily homework assignments kick in, parents have their own homework to do – the ABCs of good school lunches.

A:  Always have a balance.

Groups of kids at bus stops and walking to school are a familiar sight this time of year. A closer look at some will show the origins of back pain—overfilled backpacks draped on one shoulder hanging loosely away from the waist.

When used correctly, backpacks can be a good way to use strong back muscles to carry school supplies. But used incorrectly, they can injure muscles and joints, leading to posture problems and back, neck and shoulder pain.