Resources for Parents of Athletes
Free Parent Guides and Handouts
10 Things High School Athletes
Wish Their Parents Knew
Teenagers are not always the most forthcoming. As parents, we only want to help. But how can we know if we are helping or not when our teens aren’t telling us what they need? This 2-page gives a brief summary of some of the more common things that our teen athletes would like for us to know, but won’t think to tell us.
How to Boost Confidence
Without Adding Pressure
It’s natural to try to build up your kid’s confidence. Yet, even the most well-meaning intentions can sometimes do more harm than good if they add pressure. This comprehensive guide will help you recognize how your actions may be pressuring your young athlete and give you examples of what to- and not to-say.
10 Things Middle School Athletes
Wished Their Parents Knew
Middle School is often particularly difficult and painful on kids- and parents! Our kids are becoming more independent. Yet they still really need us, without knowing what they need ore how to ask for it. This guide provides insights into what Middle School Athletes are going through so that parents can provide them with the best support.
Supporting Athlete Transition
From Middle To High School
New building. New friends. New expectations. New pressures. Transitioning from Middle School to High School is challenging! Athletes have the added pressure of a sports transition on top of that! This guide will help you better understand the process for athletes and give you tools to help support them.
Supporting Athletes Through Puberty
Growth spurts. Body changes. Leaps in emotional and social development. These are just a few of the many, many things going on for athletes during puberty! This guide for parents who want to support sports and self-esteem
Parent-Focused Blog Posts
Practical Strategies for Motivating Your Unmotivated Teen Athlete
Supporting Teen Athletes in Managing the Pressures of Growing Older
6 Tips To Help Prepare Teen Athletes for Adulthood
Parent Strategies to Help Manage Negative Thinking
Tips and Tools for Sports Parents
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DeInstead of “Did you win?” or “Why didn’t you score?”, try:
What was your favorite moment out there?
What’s something you learned today?
Who encouraged you on the team?
What was the hardest part — and how do you feel about the way you handled it?
What are you proud of yourself for?
These questions shift the focus from results to effort, growth and connection.
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Keep post-game car rides calm and supportive. A simple “It was so much fun watching you play.” goes a long way. Avoid critiques right after games when emotions run high. Focus on something fun or neutral that the family is doing after the game.
Athletes recover and process faster when home feels like a safe, pressure-free zone. Focusing on other no-pressure activities helps them remember that life goes on, regardless of the outcome or their performance.
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Normalize it: “Everyone gets feedback — even pros.”
Reframe it: “This isn’t about who you are, it’s about a skill you can work on.”
Model resilience: Share a time you handled tough feedback.
Criticism feels less threatening when kids learn it’s a tool for growth, not an attack on who they are.
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Encourage rest, hobbies, and downtime. Remind your athlete that mental recovery is as important as physical training.
Athletes who rest well show better focus, less burnout, and greater long-term motivation and are reminded that they are more than just an athlete.
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Encourage your athlete to ask coaches for feedback, raise concerns, or seek clarification instead of you doing it for them.
This builds independence, communication skills, and confidence for life beyond sports.
Remember:
Your kid is more than an athlete!
Your kid doesn’t need you to be their coach — they need you to be their anchor. These resources are here to help you show up with confidence, calm, and connection.
Does your teen need more help gaining confidence on and off the field? Get in touch to learn more information!