Your child is hesitant about sports, the coach wants to help, and you're caught in the middle—what now? Today’s tricky question tackles the complex dynamics of youth sports anxiety from both the coach's and parent's perspective. 

Quote of the Episode: "Your child signed up for it. Your child wants to play the sport. It's their experience, so let them have that experience."

Key Insights:


Parent involvement can often increase rather than decrease child anxiety.


Individual acknowledgement by name creates belonging and confidence.


Reframing anxiety can help children approach challenges differently.


Trust between parents and coaches is essential for child development.


The "uphill" moments in sports build character and resilience.


Minimising children's feelings about anxiety is counterproductive.


The three E's approach: Explore, Explain, Empower.

Action Steps for Coaches:


Minimise parent involvement during practice/training.


Get curious about individual children and their concerns.


Acknowledge each child by name and build personal connections.

Action Steps for Parents:


Trust the coach and step back from direct involvement.


Embrace the challenging moments ("love the hills").


Validate feelings without minimising them.


Use the three E's: Explore, Explain, Empower.

Your child is hesitant about sports, the coach wants to help, and you're caught in the middle&mdash;what now? Today&rsquo;s tricky question tackles the complex dynamics of youth sports anxiety from both the coach's and parent's perspective.&nbsp;
Quote of the Episode: "Your child signed up for it. Your child wants to play the sport. It's their experience, so let them have that experience."
Key Insights:
<ul>
<li>
Parent involvement can often increase rather than decrease child anxiety.
</li>
<li>
Individual acknowledgement by name creates belonging and confidence.
</li>
<li>
Reframing anxiety can help children approach challenges differently.
</li>
<li>
Trust between parents and coaches is essential for child development.
</li>
<li>
The "uphill" moments in sports build character and resilience.
</li>
<li>
Minimising children's feelings about anxiety is counterproductive.
</li>
<li>
The three E's approach: Explore, Explain, Empower.
</li>
</ul>
Action Steps for Coaches:
<ol>
<li>
Minimise parent involvement during practice/training.
</li>
<li>
Get curious about individual children and their concerns.
</li>
<li>
Acknowledge each child by name and build personal connections.
</li>
</ol>
Action Steps for Parents:
<ol>
<li>
Trust the coach and step back from direct involvement.
</li>
<li>
Embrace the challenging moments ("love the hills").
</li>
<li>
Validate feelings without minimising them.
</li>
<li>
Use the three E's: Explore, Explain, Empower.
</li>
</ol>

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy families podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now.

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

#1173 - The Fine Line: Coaching Anxious Kids Without Parent Drama

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/47f06eda-d160-4e11-9f2c-b27701896457/transcript