Are you helping your teen athlete grow, or are you accidentally adding more pressure?
In this episode, I talk about how sports can be one of the most powerful developmental experiences in a young person’s life, and it’s one way teens can learn perseverance, teamwork, leadership, and how to bounce back after mistakes.
But there’s something we don’t talk about enough… The role parents play in shaping that experience. What we say from the sidelines, in the car ride home, and during the hard moments can either build confidence or add stress.
Here are some of the powerful reminders for supporting teen athletes that we’ll dive into:
- Listen before problem-solving – Sometimes, they need to vent.
- Ask before giving advice. – “Do you want help with this, or do you just want me to listen?”
- Help them reset after mistakes. – Feel it → Flip it → Find the next play.
- Remember the bigger picture. – Sports aren’t just about the scoreboard; they’re about the kind of person your teen is becoming.
- It’s a great opportunity for Connection.
These moments with our teens, on the sidelines, in the car rides, during practices, are powerful opportunities for connection and growth.
It’s in these ordinary moments that extraordinary bonds are formed.
I would also love to invite you to join our Free Wilderness Info Session on March 18th at 6 PM PST where you can learn all about our two Backpacking Rites of Passage trips for teens this Summer.
Rites of Passage Trips Info Session
📅 Wednesday, March 18th at 6pm Pacific
🔗 youth.guided-passages.com/wilderness
And if this episode resonated with you, don’t forget to subscribe, share it with a friend, and send me a quick note about the insight that stood out most for you.
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