The Developmental Dilemma

In the competitive world of youth sports, parents—and children—often find themselves caught in a whirlwind of pressure and expectations. The Developmental Dilemma sorts through the realities and confronts the misguided beliefs of youth sport, while providing parents with a mindset and framework to focus on what is truly important in their child's sports journey: Raising healthy and resilient people—on and off the field.

In today's hyper-competitive world of youth sports, parents and children often find themselves overwhelmed by the pressure to excel, driven by the belief that early specialization and singular focus are the keys to future success. The Developmental Dilemma dives deep into these pressures, unraveling the misconceptions and revealing the often-overlooked consequences of early specialization. With so many voices advocating for intensive training, early specialization, and a relentless pursuit of athletic success, it's easy for parents to feel trapped in an "all or nothing" mindset. This book challenges the widely-held belief that the only path to athletic success is through early and exclusive dedication to one sport. It brings to light the critical importance of a balanced approach—one that emphasizes the development of the whole child, both on and off the field. In The Developmental Dilemma, parents will find a guiding framework that encourages the nurturing of healthy, resilient children who are equipped to navigate life's challenges, not just the next game or competition. The book offers insights into how to maintain perspective amidst the whirlwind of youth sports, focusing on the long-term development of children as well-rounded individuals. Through the exploration of topics such as early specialization, the psychological impacts of high-pressure environments, and the balancing act of supporting a child's passion while ensuring their well-being, The Developmental Dilemma empowers parents to make informed decisions. It provides them with the tools to foster a love for sport in their children while prioritizing their overall development and happiness. This book is not a call to avoid competitive sports, but rather a call to redefine success—where the ultimate goal is not just raising successful athletes, but raising thriving, resilient human beings. Parents will learn how to support their child's athletic journey without losing sight of what truly matters: their child's health, happiness, and growth as a person. The Developmental Dilemma is an essential read for any parent navigating the complexities of youth sports. It is a reminder that while sports can be an incredible vehicle for growth and learning, they should serve the development of the child—not the other way around.

Dr. Jay Harrison is a consulting psychologist in professional sport, military, and high performance corporate environments. He is a former NHL hockey player, playing 15 professional hockey seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Carolina Hurricanes, Winnipeg Jets, and Chicago Blackhawks organizations, while representing Canada multiple times in international play. Dr. Harrison ascribes his commitment to education while playing at an elite level as a performance enhancing investment and as a source of resilience. Upon transitioning from sport, Dr. Harrison completed his clinical residency in clinical counseling, specializing in the treatment of PTSD, and his doctorate in Performance Psychology. Dr. Harrison's unique personal and professional experiences allow him to contribute a distinct perspective on mental health, wellbeing, and performance.​