Healthy Sports Parents

How does ADHD actually show up in kids — and what does it mean for youth athletes?In this episode, Dr. Joey Case, a sports psychologist at Mississippi State, joins Healthy Sports Parents to unpack how ADHD impacts focus, effort, and motivation in sports. He explains what parents and coaches often mistake for laziness or attitude, why ADHD isn’t a character flaw, and how to help kids thrive in practice and competition.You’ll also learn how parents can work with coaches, when to consider testing, and why some ADHD traits can actually become strengths on the field.If you’ve ever wondered how to better support your child with ADHD in sports or school, this conversation is a must-listen.---------MORE FROM Dr. Case:http://www.tiktok.com/@josephccasehttps://www.instagram.com/drjosephcasehttps://josephccasepsyd.substack.com/ ---------FROM OUR SPONSORS:Ball-Brand Goodshttps://ball-brand.com/CHILLY15 for 15% offPlayPitshttps://playpits.com/HSP15 for 15% off

When a child’s self-worth becomes tied to their performance, every game, race, or competition can feel like a verdict on who they are.In this episode, two-time Olympian Kate Ziegler shares her journey from national records and Olympic appearances to the emotional toll of defining herself by results — and how she finally learned to separate her identity from her performance.We talk about:The hidden pressure high-achieving athletes carryHow performance-based identity develops in kidsWhat parents can do to help their child see their worth beyond resultsPractical ways to support kids after both wins and lossesWhether your child is competing at the highest level or just starting out, this conversation will help you protect their joy, confidence, and mental health — while building a foundation that lasts far beyond sports.---MORE FROM KATE:Get coaching: https://kateziegler.com/---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents merch:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents#KateZiegler #YouthSports #SportsParenting #HealthySportsParents #AthleteMentalHealth #ParentingTips #IdentityAndPerformance #RaisingConfidentKids #Olympian

Your kid is not defined by their wins and losses.In this episode of Healthy Sports Parents, Liberty University Head Coach Ritchie McKay joins Jonathan Carone for one of the most grounded, heartfelt conversations we’ve ever had about identity, faith, family, and loving the game more than the win.Coach McKay has led Liberty basketball to NCAA Tournament wins and conference championships, but what stands out most is his perspective on people, not performance. He shares:Why kids need to find joy in the process, not just the scoreboardHow parents can help their child’s identity stay separate from performanceThe role gratitude and unconditional love play in raising healthy athletesHis take on specialization vs. multi-sport athletesEncouragement for parents who feel the pressure to get everything rightIf you’re a parent trying to raise kids who love the game and grow into strong, healthy adults in the process, this conversation will give you perspective, encouragement, and a whole lot of wisdom.

When people talk about Daddy Ball, it usually comes with eye rolls and complaints about favoritism. But the truth is far more complicated.In this episode, Jonathan sits down with state champion coach Julie McCann and her daughter Audrey to talk about what it’s really like when your parent is also your coach.They share the blurred lines between coach and mom, the higher expectations that come with being “the coach’s kid,” and the honest conversations it takes to make that relationship work.This isn’t the cliché story of unfair playing time. It’s a real look at the challenges, tensions, and surprising gifts of living through what people call Daddy Ball.

Youth sports motivation for parents - intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation - playing for yourself vs playing for the team - practical ways to support your athlete without adding pressure.Mental performance coach Lindsey Nadler joins us to unpack what truly drives kids in sports and how parents can lead in a way that fuels growth instead of shutdowns. We cover internal motivation vs external rewards, why “finding the why” matters, and a second layer most people miss - being motivated by personal improvement vs being motivated by the team.You’ll hear real stories from the field - from dollar-per-goal experiments to chicken-nugget dugout chants - and how those quick wins can be used to steer kids back to love of the game. Lindsey also explains what’s happening in the brain, how to praise the process, and how to guide instead of push.What we coverInternal vs external motivation - and how to shift kids toward internal driveFun as a real tool - using short-term incentives without creating long-term dependencePraise that builds resilience - process, discipline, effort, and being a great teammatePlaying for self vs playing for team - strengths, pitfalls, and how sport type changes the calculusThe “motivation triad” in the brain - conserve energy, seek pleasure, avoid painAge-appropriate expectations - why a nine year old’s “why” looks different from a teen’sTravel sports and pay-to-play - clarity on goals, roles, and what you’re actually signing up forGuiding over pushing - questions that build ownership and confidenceHelpful prompts you can use this weekWhat do you love most about your sport right nowWhat do you want from this season - fun, friends, getting better, playing timeIf you could practice one part every day, what would it beYou said your goal was X - is today’s energy getting you there---------MORE FROM Lindsey:http://www.tiktok.com/@elitementaledgehttps://www.instagram.com/elitementaledge

Youth sports should be about more than pressure, performance, and early specialization. In this episode of Healthy Sports Parents, we sit down with Jonny Martin, cofounder of Football Fun Factory, to explore how parents can help their kids fall in love with sports first, before worrying about competition or skill development.Drawing from years of coaching experience and working with thousands of kids across the UK, Jonny shares practical, emotionally grounded advice for parents who want to raise happy, confident, and resilient young athletes without pushing them too far, too soon.Whether your child plays recreational or elite-level sports, this conversation will help you shift your mindset, build stronger connections, and create an environment where your kid actually wants to keep playing.In this episode:Why fun should come before fundamentalsHow early pressure kills long-term love for the gameThe difference between encouragement and performance pressureHow to respond after mistakes or lossesWhat “being their biggest fan” looks like in real life-----Find out more about The Football Fun Factory:https://thefootballfunfactory.co.uk/