179. The Keys To Helping Your Young Athlete Physically Thrive with Dr. Katie Friedman

Brad and Britt sit down with Dr. Katie Friedman—pediatrician, pediatric ER physician, mom of young athletes, co-founder of Forever Freckled, and creator of Big Time youth athlete vitamins (livebigtime.com).

Katie makes the case that youth sports remain one of the most powerful environments for kids: they build grit, teach kids how to fail and keep going, get them off screens, support physical health, and instill habits that transfer to school and adulthood. She also talks honestly about the hard parts—injuries, pressure to return too soon, and the daily scramble of late practices and fast food.

Key topics include:

• What she actually sees in the ER: fractures, dislocations, lacerations—and a surprising spike in serious injuries from e-scooters and e-bikes
• Concussion red flags, when to go to the ER, and why kids should be symptom-free before returning to play
• Sleep as the most overlooked (and free) performance tool—aim for 9–10+ hours and get screens out of the bedroom
• Practical nutrition: breakfast as fuel, simple carbs before games, smaller meals/snacks kids will actually eat, and giving yourself grace on the 9:30 p.m. pizza nights
• Why she created Big Time after her son’s injury and her own questions about fueling growing athletes
• Advice to sports parents: the work is worth it even if they never play college ball—focus on the child and the lessons, not just the scoreboard

A grounded, practical conversation for parents who want their kids to thrive in sports without losing the point of it.

https://livebigtime.com