03/06/2026
As sports parents, self-awareness is huge.
My son Carson works with the QB ERA guys every summer, and they shared a video where one of the coaches talks about three things that can kill a quarterback’s performance:
• Watching the ball
• Tension
• An overbearing father
That last one hit home for me.
Last baseball season I had a conversation with Carson. I asked him why he would look at me every time he swung and missed or made a mistake. I already had a feeling I knew the answer, but I wanted him to say it so he knew his voice mattered.
He said it was because he knew I was going to yell something or be mad.
That was a tough moment as a parent, but it was also an important one.
From that point on, I made a conscious effort to change how I acted during games. Not only did it strengthen our relationship, but it also changed the way he played. When kids feel supported instead of pressured, they play with freedom and confidence.
This applies to parents and youth coaches alike. The environment we create matters more than we sometimes realize.
Take a minute to watch this video, great perspective for anyone involved in youth sports.
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1CQyuQrR5X/?mibextid=wwXIfr
