That sickening moment when you see your child take a hard hit and they're slow to get up – every sports parent knows that feeling. Your heart stops, your stomach drops, and suddenly you're trying to read their face from the sidelines to figure out if they're okay.
Here's the truth: concussions are scary, but they're also manageable when you know what to do. And the most important thing you can do right now? Learn the CDC's 6-step return-to-play process.
When in Doubt, Sit Them Out
You know how it goes. The championship game is next week. They've worked all season for this. The coach is giving you that look. But here's what every parent learns eventually: no game, no season, no scholarship is worth your child's brain.
If your gut is telling you something's not right – even if they're saying they're fine, even if they want to keep playing – pull them out. Get them checked by someone who actually knows what they're looking for. This isn't being overprotective; this is being a smart parent.
The CDC's 6-Step Return-to-Play: Your Roadmap Back
Once a concussion is confirmed, the CDC has a step-by-step plan that actually makes sense. Each step takes at least 24 hours, and your kid has to be symptom-free at each level before moving to the next one. No shortcuts, no "just this once."
Step 1: Complete Rest
This means brain rest AND physical rest. No school if symptoms are bad, no screens that make their head hurt, definitely no sports. Just sleep, quiet activities, and letting their brain heal.
Step 2: Light Activity
Think gentle walks, easy bike rides – stuff that gets the blood moving without breaking a sweat. If their headache comes back or they feel dizzy, back to step 1.
Step 3: Moderate Activity
Now we're talking about activities that get them breathing harder – maybe jogging or stationary bike. Still no contact, no risk of another hit.
Step 4: Heavy Activity (No Contact)
Sport-specific training without any hits. For football, that means running plays without tackling. For soccer, it's ball work and sprints, but no headers or body contact.
Step 5: Full Practice
Back to normal practice with contact – but only after a medical clearance. This is where a lot of parents want to rush, but don't. Make sure they're really ready.
Step 6: Game Time
Finally! Back to competition, but keep watching for any signs that something's still not right.
Why This Actually Works
Each step lets the brain heal a little more before adding stress back on. Think of it like rehabbing a broken bone – you don't go from a cast straight to running marathons. The brain needs that same gradual buildup.
And those 24-hour minimum waits between steps? That's not arbitrary. It takes time for symptoms to show up if the brain isn't ready for the next level. Rushing through these steps is like playing Russian roulette with your kid's future.
The Real Talk
Your kid is going to push back. They'll say they're fine when they're not. They'll worry about losing their spot on the team or disappointing teammates. That's normal – they're kids, and they live in the moment.
But you're the adult here. You're the one who has to think about their brain health in 20 years, not just next week's game. And coaches worth their salt will respect parents who prioritize player safety. If they don't, that tells you everything you need to know about that program.
Your Action Plan This Week
Print out the CDC 6-step process and keep it in your sports bag. Share it with your spouse, the grandparents, anyone who might be at games with your child. Make sure everyone in your family knows the signs of a concussion and what to do.
Most importantly, have the conversation with your kid now, when they're healthy and thinking clearly. Explain why this process exists and why you'll follow it no matter what. Set the expectation that their brain health comes first, always.
Because here's what every parent learns eventually: the kids who take care of their bodies and brains early are the ones still playing (and thinking clearly) years down the road. The ones who play through injuries? They're usually watching from the sidelines by high school, dealing with problems that could have been prevented.
Your kid's future self will thank you for being the "overprotective" parent who actually knew when to step in.
Ian Goldberg is the CEO of Signature Media and the Editor of the largest and fastest growing sports parenting newsletter. He’s been recognized as an industry expert by the National Alliance for Youth Sports, the US Olympic Committee’s Truesport, and the Aspen Institute's Project Play. Ian is also a suburban NJ sports dad of two teenage daughters and has over 2,000 hours of volunteer time coaching them (which he calls the most fun form of R&D for his newsletter content). Ian and his team provide players, coaches, parents and program directors with the articles and content they need to have a great sports season. Ian has spent most of his career in digital product development and marketing and got his start at the White House where he worked for the economic advisors to two US Presidents.
