Healthy Sports Parents

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 oneIf 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.--------HEALTHY SPORTS PARENTING COURSEGet early access at HealthySportsParents.com/Course.--------More from Dr. Case:TikTok: @josephccaseInstagram: @drjosephcaseSubstack: https://josephccasepsyd.substack.com--------FROM OUR SPONSORS:Hey Coachhttps://heycoach.team/Tomahawk Shadeshttps://tomahawkshades.comCode: HSP50 for 50% off--------New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear: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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Congressman Chris Deluzio and Senator Cory Booker join Healthy Sports Parents creator Jonathan Carone for a conversation about the newly introduced Let Kids Play Act and why they believe youth sports in America are becoming inaccessible for too many families.Instead of focusing only on the details of the legislation, this conversation explores the bigger questions underneath it all: Why do youth sports matter so much? What happens when sports become a luxury item instead of a community experience? And what role, if any, should the federal government play when families are being priced out?Jonathan talks with Congressman Deluzio and Senator Booker about private equity in youth sports, stay-to-play requirements, rising costs for families, youth sports data privacy, and the growing concern that community-based leagues and facilities are disappearing as larger companies consolidate control over more parts of the sports ecosystem.The conversation also goes beyond policy. Senator Booker shares how sports shaped his life and taught him lessons about teamwork, perseverance, and unity, while Congressman Deluzio reflects on growing up in community baseball and why he believes every kid deserves the chance to play regardless of their family’s income.Whether you agree with the bill or not, this episode is ultimately about something much bigger than politics: preserving the role youth sports can play in helping kids grow into healthy adults and keeping those opportunities accessible for future generations.Episode recorded May 13, 2026.--------FROM OUR SPONSORS:Hour-a-thonhttp://www.hour-a-thon.comHey Coachhttps://heycoach.team/--------New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear: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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Youth sports are not about winning. They’re about helping our kids become the best version of themselves possible.In this episode of Healthy Sports Parents, Jonathan sits down with Dr. Jeremy Alland, team doctor for the Chicago Bulls and White Sox, for a practical and honest conversation about injuries, overuse, and what parents need to understand about their child’s long-term health.They discuss why kids are getting hurt at younger ages, how fatigue and year-round play are driving many of these injuries, and what that means not just for this season, but for the next 30 to 60 years of a child’s life. The conversation also covers how to think about training volume, the role of free play, when to introduce strength training, and why most families should focus on nutrition before supplements.The goal isn’t short-term success this season.It’s raising a kid who leaves sports healthy, confident, and equipped for life.--------More from Dr. Alland:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyallandmd/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyallandmd--------FROM OUR SPONSORS:Eleven11https://eleven11teamsports.com/Hey Coachhttps://heycoach.team/--------New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear: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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A lot of families start the youth sports journey with the same goal in mind: play at the highest level possible and see where it goes. But what happens when you actually get there… and realize it wasn’t what you thought it would be?In this conversation, Jonathan sat down with Britt Lee, co-founder of Pure Athlete and a dad who’s walked the full path. His son reached Division I tennis. He also had another son burn out. And somewhere along the way, he learned what actually matters and what doesn’t.They talk about the pressure parents feel to specialize early, why so many well-meaning families get pulled into decisions they never intended to make, and how easy it is for sports to slowly take over more of our lives than we realize. Britt shares what he wishes he knew at the beginning, what he’d do differently, and how parents can take a step back and lead their kids through sports in a healthier way.They also get into identity, both for kids and for parents, and why it can be so hard to let go when a sport ends even if we’ve kept the right perspective the whole time. And maybe most importantly, we talk about how to keep sports in the right place so they add to your family instead of taking it over.If you’re in the middle of it right now, trying to figure out what’s best for your kid while managing all the noise and pressure around you, this one will hit close to home.--------More from Britt + Pure Athlete:https://www.pureathlete.com/https://www.instagram.com/pureathleteinc/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086392548798https://www.tiktok.com/@pureathleteinc--------FROM OUR SPONSORS:Hour-a-thonhttp://www.hour-a-thon.com--------READ MY ARTICLE IN MOCKINGBIRD:https://mbird.com/sports/the-gospel-according-to-youth-sports/--------New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear: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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when we stop trying to control our kids' sports experience and start helping them own it?In this episode, retired USWNT player and current youth coach / pro team owner Leslie Osborne shares why the healthiest sports journeys are the ones driven by kids, not adults. From playing multiple sports growing up to navigating injuries and life after soccer, Leslie reflects on how ownership, passion, and perspective shaped her career and now shape how she parents and coaches.We also explore what it looks like to support kids without pushing them, how parents can balance competitiveness with emotional development, and why youth sports should be about developing confident, capable humans more than elite athletes.Our job isn’t to control the journey.It’s to give kids the tools, space, and confidence to own it themselves.This conversation is about stepping back, trusting our kids, and remembering that sports are simply the vehicle. The real goal is helping them grow into resilient, confident adults who can handle whatever comes next, both on and off the field. That long term development mindset sits at the heart of Healthy Sports Parents and the idea that youth sports are ultimately about raising healthy adults, not just athletes.--------FROM OUR SPONSORS:Hour-a-thonhttp://www.hour-a-thon.comSmallsidehttp://www.smallside.co New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear: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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Youth sports can feel heavier than it’s supposed to.Not because parents don’t care.But because they care so much.In this episode, Jonathan sits down with former Nike sports marketer Jordan to pull back the curtain on what’s really shaping the youth sports experience today. From the way brands speak to us, to the rise of travel teams, to the pressure to keep up with other families, there’s more going on beneath the surface than most of us realize.We talk about why so many good parents feel like they’re constantly second-guessing their decisions, how comparison and fear quietly drive a lot of what we do, and why the system feels harder to navigate than it used to.We also get into:The difference between being served and being sold toWhy youth sports keeps getting more expensiveWhat happens when kids don’t make the teamThe loss of free play and what that means for kidsThe truth about NIL and youth sports social mediaThis conversation is not about blaming parents but rather understanding the environment we’re parenting in.When we can name the pressures we're facing, we can start to lead through it in healthier ways.And that’s where things start to change.--------FROM OUR SPONSORS:Hour-a-thonhttp://www.hour-a-thon.comPhenom Elitehttps://phenomelitebrand.com/--------New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear: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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Youth sports development often focuses on skills, reps, and results. But there’s a missing piece that determines whether kids actually grow, last, and enjoy the journey.In this episode, Jonathan sits down with Dr. Jonathan Jenkins, Team Clinical and Performance Psychologist for the New England Patriots and Behavioral Sport Psychologist for the Boston Red Sox, to talk about the mental side of youth sports that too often gets overlooked.They dig into what kids really need to thrive, motivation versus willpower, why independence at practice matters, how fundamentals lead to confidence and flow, why resilience and finishing strong matter more than early success, and how parents can support their kids without making sports feel heavier than they need to be.They also break down the four pillars from Dr. Jenkins’ new book Mentality Wins:Focus. Learning to direct attention and filter distractionsFlow. Playing freely without overthinkingFinish. Responding to mistakes and setbacks with resilienceFlourish. Keeping identity bigger than sportThis conversation is for parents who care about development, not just performance. About raising confident, resilient kids, not just better athletes. And about making sure youth sports actually serve the kid, not the other way around.--------FROM OUR SPONSORS:Brite Legacyhttps://britelegacy.com/--------New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear: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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Healthy Sports Parents, Jonathan sits down with Jason D’Rocha from Sportball to talk about what youth sports are actually for and how early experiences shape kids long after the final whistle.Jason shares why sport can be one of the safest places for kids to do hard things, fail, recover, and grow. They unpack why fun and confidence have to come before competition, what parents should really be looking for in a coach, and how sports function as a powerful social and emotional classroom, not just a physical one.They also dig into one of the most misunderstood topics in youth sports: starting kids young. Jason explains Sportball’s approach to early childhood sports, why development matters more than age, and how physical literacy, emotional safety, and parent-child connection lay the foundation for a healthy relationship with sports later in life.This conversation is especially for parents who feel stuck in systems that reward outcomes over process. Jason offers a grounded, realistic way to hold your values even when the league, other parents, or the culture around you pushes in a different direction.If you care more about raising a confident, resilient human than collecting wins at young ages, this episode is for you.Topics covered:Why youth sports are a training ground for lifeWhat matters more than winning at young agesWhat parents should actually look for in a coachWhy confidence and competence come before competitionHow sports teach social and emotional skillsNavigating youth sports systems that prioritize resultsEncouragement for parents who are still figuring this out--------Learn More About Sportball:https://sportball.com/--------FROM OUR SPONSORS:PlayPitshttps://playpits.com/HSP15 for 15% offBrite Legacyhttps://britelegacy.com/--------New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear: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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

College sports recruiting can feel overwhelming, expensive, and confusing - especially when everyone online seems to have a different answer.In this episode of Healthy Sports Parents, Jonathan Carone sits down with three Division I head coaches from softball (Helen Peña, Ball State), women’s volleyball (Dan Meske, University of Louisville), and men’s soccer (Bobby Muuss, Wake Forest) for an honest roundtable conversation about what recruiting actually looks like from the college side.They talk about the real difference between a good high school player and a college athlete, how much work Division I sports truly require, and why fundamentals and consistency matter more than being flashy. They also address common pressure points parents feel, including club sports costs, high school versus club ball, early recruiting timelines, camps and showcases, and the rise of youth recruiting profiles on social media.Most importantly, this episode reframes recruiting away from fear and hype and toward clarity, perspective, and healthy expectations so parents can support their kids without losing sight of what really matters.--------FROM OUR SPONSORS:Camp Blue Ridgehttp://www.blueridgecamp.com$750 off summer 2026 tuition for Healthy Sports Parents listenersPlayPitshttps://playpits.com/HSP15 for 15% offBall-Brand Goodshttps://ball-brand.com/CHILLY15 for 15% off--------New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear: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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Youth sports were never meant to feel like an all in decision with no off ramp. But for a lot of families, that is exactly where things end up. The pressure ramps up, the schedules get overwhelmed, and the choices for where to play start to disappear.In this episode, Jonathan sits down with Jennifer Paulett, Director of Corporate Citizenship at ESPN, to talk about the Take Back Sports campaign and what they are learning about why kids are walking away from sports. They discuss the importance of rec leagues, the dangers of early specialization, the role parents play in shaping the culture, and why choice matters more than most families realize. Jennifer also shares what she is seeing through ESPN and Positive Coaching Alliance as they work with leagues, organizations, and professional athletes to rebuild a healthier youth sports system.This conversation is a reminder that youth sports should give every kid a place to play, not just the competitive ones. Our goal is not to raise professional athletes. It is to help kids keep playing, growing, and enjoying sports for as long as they can so we can continue teaching them all the lessons sports can teach.---------MORE FROM ESPN + TAKE BACK SPORTShttp://www.takebacksports.orghttps://www.espn.com/espn/citizenship/---------FROM OUR SPONSORS:Camp Blue Ridgehttp://www.blueridgecamp.com$750 off summer 2026 tuition for Healthy Sports Parents listenersPlayPitshttps://playpits.com/HSP15 for 15% off--------New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear: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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the Season 2 finale, Jonathan sits down with Brea Schmidt — creator of The Top Bleacher — for an honest conversation about what kids really need to hear from their parents in youth sports. Together they walk through seven simple but powerful phrases that build confidence, resilience, and connection between parents and their athletes. From “You are more than your sport” to “I love watching you play,” this episode is a reminder that the words we use from the sidelines can shape who our kids become long after the games are over.---------MORE FROM BREA:https://www.facebook.com/thetopbleacher/https://www.instagram.com/thetopbleacher/---------FROM OUR SPONSORS:PlayPitshttps://playpits.com/HSP15 for 15% offBall-Brand Goodshttps://ball-brand.com/CHILLY15 for 15% offNew episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear: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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear: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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear: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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.