What Sports Are Actually Teaching Your Kid (It's Not What You Think)

Remember the buzzer beater that your kid hit or the school record that was broken? The early morning practice and the late night drive home from a game that was an hour in the opposite direction. Supporting your kid's athletic pursuit is hard — but we do it without hesitation. Our fulfillment comes from the joy that our kids experience when living out their dreams.

I couldn't tell you the amount of money and time spent supporting both of our kids' athletic careers — but we don't count because we'd do it again and again. And while we're in the middle of trying to remember where we're traveling for the next game or track meet, here's what we miss — it's not even about the traveling or the money spent. That is just a byproduct of our kids being in a sports. It is so much bigger than that.

The early morning training birthed discipline. The nine AAU games in two days birthed work ethic and grit. The endless practices built skill and confidence. Playing on school and club teams birthed the ability to problem solve with others. Team sports births the skill of communication. Sports births your voice.

I Know This Because I Lived It

The number one thing being a collegiate athlete taught me was that I was capable of doing hard things — even beyond my own estimation. I walked away as an NCAA All-American knowing that even if I didn't know what my next move was, I could handle it. Part of that is who I am as a person — but what shaped it was my experience in sports.

Sports taught me about the importance of preparation, the lessons in failure, and it helped me grow my confidence. Sports turned the mirror on myself and it taught me that I was strong and capable — both mind and body. These attributes are far greater than my medals and titles. Those attributes translate to currency in life. This is a benefit to all athletes no matter the skill level.

So Before You Break Down Every Mistake

When the days grow long and your kid walks off the field after a rough game — before you start breaking down every mistake he or she made, take a breath. Zoom out. Remember the goal of it all.

Is your athlete doing something better today than they did in the previous game? That is growth. Did you ask how your athlete felt or what they were thinking when the mistakes occurred? Find the root before you diagnose the issue — you don't have enough data yet.

These are things I am learning to improve as we speak. The journey never completes — you just get better with each phase. And that's the win.

For more tips on how to have these conversations, book your session right here on our website. Let’s connect!