Finding the Balance: Sports or Academics?

Are sports a big deal in your child's school?

Bigger than education?

It wouldn't be surprising, as backwards as it may sound. Sports activities often take precedence over classwork -- all the way from primary school to college.

And, while you don't want to forfeit your kid's education for a chance at the big leagues, sports and athletics may just be a bigger part of academic excellence than you may realize.

In fact, overwhelming evidence underscores the relationship of health, wellness, academic performance and physical activity for students. Furthermore, athletics can have an important impact on your child's social development.

The key is to find a balance. Sports and academics can intertwine to create the best of both worlds.

But, if your school is cutting these programs, what can you do to help your child get active so that it helps their school performance?

Dr. Mike Bergeron and Melanie Cole, MS, discuss the recent outcry over too much emphasis on youth athletics in schools, and highlight the importance of physical activity on your child's academic performance.