Some of the healthiest things we can do as sports parents feel completely wrong in the moment.
We want to correct every mistake. We want to protect our kids from failure. We want to solve their problems, give them feedback after every game, and keep them from feeling disappointed.
But what if those instincts are actually getting in the way of what our kids need most?
In this episode, sports psychologist Dr. Joey Case returns to discuss seven things that feel like bad sports parenting but aren't. We explore why confidence grows through struggle, how kids develop resilience, and what it looks like to support young athletes without trying to control every outcome.
Topics include:
• Why correcting every mistake can hurt learning and confidence
• The value of letting kids fail in public
• Why the car ride home is usually the wrong place for feedback
• When parents should step in and when they should stay out
• Why connection matters more than performance after a tough game
• The surprising benefits of boredom
• How to know when quitting is the wrong choice and when it's the right one
If you've ever wondered whether you're helping your child grow or simply easing your own anxiety, this conversation is for you.
The goal of sports parenting isn't protecting kids from discomfort but rather helping them develop the tools to handle discomfort when it comes.
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More from Dr. Case:
TikTok: @josephccase
Instagram: @drjosephcase
Substack: https://josephccasepsyd.substack.com
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