#1173 - The Fine Line: Coaching Anxious Kids Without Parent Drama

Your child is hesitant about sports, the coach wants to help, and you're caught in the middle—what now? Today’s tricky question tackles the complex dynamics of youth sports anxiety from both the coach's and parent's perspective. 

Quote of the Episode: "Your child signed up for it. Your child wants to play the sport. It's their experience, so let them have that experience."

Key Insights:

• Parent involvement can often increase rather than decrease child anxiety.

• Individual acknowledgement by name creates belonging and confidence.

• Reframing anxiety can help children approach challenges differently.

• Trust between parents and coaches is essential for child development.

• The "uphill" moments in sports build character and resilience.

• Minimising children's feelings about anxiety is counterproductive.

• The three E's approach: Explore, Explain, Empower.

Action Steps for Coaches:

1. Minimise parent involvement during practice/training.

2. Get curious about individual children and their concerns.

3. Acknowledge each child by name and build personal connections.

Action Steps for Parents:

1. Trust the coach and step back from direct involvement.

2. Embrace the challenging moments ("love the hills").

3. Validate feelings without minimising them.

4. Use the three E's: Explore, Explain, Empower.

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