#40 - The Ride Home: What Your Athlete Actually Needs From You S3.4

What should you say on the ride home after your athlete barely played, made a mistake, or had a disappointing game? Maybe nothing. In this episode, Sara and Michelle talk about the complicated role parents play in youth sport—and how quickly our own opinions about coaches, playing time and what’s “fair” can shape an athlete’s experience. They explore why fair doesn’t always mean equal, why playing time is influenced by far more than parents see from the stands, and how sitting on the bench can sometimes create exactly the motivation an athlete needs to grow. Most importantly, they discuss how parents can hold space for disappointment without jumping into the story, criticizing the coach or trying to fix it. Instead, let your athlete lead, get curious, and help them shift from “this isn’t fair” to “what can I do next?” Because sometimes the most powerful thing we can give our athletes is the opportunity to figure out for themselves who they want to become. 

Top 3 Takeaways

Let your athlete leadFair is NOT the same as equalHold space for your athlete to have feelings then guide to a place of affirmation of what they do have control over

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