#37 - Before You Blame the Coach S3.1

When your athlete is frustrated about playing time, confidence, or a coach’s decisions, it’s tempting to step in and fix the problem—but that may not be what they need. In this episode, Sara and Michelle tackle five things parents should think twice about saying to coaches and explore a more productive approach to navigating the parent–coach–athlete relationship. From taking an honest look at attitude and effort to avoiding sideline criticism, encouraging athletes to advocate for themselves, and focusing on solutions instead of blame, they discuss how parents can turn difficult sports moments into opportunities for resilience, accountability, independence, and character. Because sometimes the most powerful thing a parent can do isn’t fix the situation—it’s show up, support their athlete, and help them learn how to handle it. 

Top 3 Takeaways

1. Is your athlete sharing an accurate reflection of their attitude and effort with you? And with themselves?
2. Be a great example! And cautious about how you talk about the coach, team, teachers, etc. around your child.
3. Solution focused. Not excuses, not blame. Bring to your coach your concerns in a way that seeks a solution to help meet their athlete and use the challenge as an opportunity to teach some life skills.