A Guide for Parents and Guardians

These blogs are a resource for athletes to read, relate to, and find inspiration. But this time, I’m flipping the script—I want to create something specifically for the parents and coaches of athletes! You play a huge role in an athlete’s journey, and I want to help bridge the gap between support and understanding. Of course, athletes, you’re always welcome to dive in too—because let’s be honest, the more we all understand each other, the better!  

After publishing my last blog, I came across a post by Jon Beck (@coachjonbeck) that resonated deeply with me. He wrote:  

Jon Beck’s words raise an important question: What does “the right way” actually mean?

This ties directly to my blog (Roots in Newfoundland Pt. 2), where I shared my journey as a young athlete chasing the Olympic dream. Over the past five years, I’ve explored how to reframe the emotional weight of unmet goals through mindset and perspective.

More importantly, I’ve examined the role of parents, coaches, and mentors in shaping an athlete’s experience. The way we teach, guide, and support them determines whether sports become a tool for lifelong growth or just a pursuit of a fleeting dream. For parents of athletes at the highest level, this is especially crucial—how we navigate their journey can shape not only their performance but also their long-term well-being. So, how do we lead them the right way?

Drawing from my journey, experience, and research, I’ve identified key ways to support athletes. This post is divided into two sections—one for parents and guardians, the other for coaches and mentors. Inspired by Jon Beck’s words, let’s explore what the “right way” truly means, starting with tips for parents and guardians.

10 Tips for Parents & Guardians to Guide Their Athlete in Sports:

1) Parents and guardians are not their athlete’s coaches, nutritionists, or trainers—and that’s a good thing!

You’re paying professionals to do that job, so you don’t have to. Your role? Be their biggest cheerleader, the post-game snack hero, and the one who reminds them that sports are supposed to be fun. Trust the experts, enjoy the ride, and most importantly, be the safe space they can always come back to—no pressure, just support.

2) Your home should be a place where they can relax, unwind, and just be a kid—not an extension of their training ground.

Let them decompress, enjoy family time, and have conversations that aren’t all about their sport. A balanced life off the field leads to better performance on it, so create a home environment that feels like a retreat, not a locker room.

3) Do your homework on the mentors you’re bringing into your child’s life.

coaches, trainers, and specialists aren’t just shaping athletes, they’re shaping people! Look for professionals who match your athlete’s goals, values, and long-term vision.

Here is my top tip: Find coaches who work with a team of experts, who love to collaborate and are always open to your questions and concerns. A great coach doesn’t just bark orders from the sidelines—they’re approachable, communicative, and invested in your athlete’s overall well-being. And most importantly, make sure the coach is using their powers for good—not taking advantage of their role. After all, they’re working with minors (and athletes of all ages), and the right mentor can make all the difference in your athlete’s journey!

4) Don’t treat your kid’s sport like a financial investment.

It’s not about betting on their future career or counting how much you’re spending on gear, travel, and training. Sports should be about fun, growth, and all the life lessons they’ll take with them—whether they go pro or just play for the love of the game.

Here is my pro tip: Keep the joy alive! Celebrate the little victories, like mastering a new skill or simply showing up with a smile. When the pressure’s off, they’ll be more likely to fall in love with the game—and that’s the real win!

5) Make sure you’re putting your kid in a sport for the right reasons.

It’s their journey, not a chance for you to relive your glory days through them! Sports should be something they’re excited about, not a checklist of your unfulfilled dreams.

Here is my pro tip: Keep the convo going with your athlete—ask them if they’re still having fun, and let them call the shots! When they’re the ones driving the bus, they’ll stay motivated, and you’ll know you’re on the right track. Plus, when the fun is there, the results will follow naturally!

6) Recovery!!!

It’s just as important as training! After all, athletes aren’t robots—they need rest to recharge, rebuild, and come back stronger. Don’t let your athlete skip out on downtime. Recovery isn’t just about physical rest, either. Mental recovery is key to staying sharp, motivated, and focused.

Here is my pro tip: Make recovery a non-negotiable part of the routine! Whether it’s catching some Z’s, chilling with a movie, or doing some easy stretches, make sure they know rest is just as vital as practice. When they’re recharged, they’ll be ready to bring their A-game every time!

7)Physical health is just as important as mental health.

As their parent, you know your child better than anyone! Pay attention to how they’re feeling, both physically and mentally. If something seems off, whether it’s a sudden change in attitude, energy, or motivation, it’s time to check in and see what’s going on.

Here is my pro tip: Invest in a mental performance coach! Just like physical training, mental coaching helps build resilience, focus, and confidence. It’s not just for high-stakes athletes—it can benefit anyone looking to enhance their mindset and overcome challenges.

And if you’re noticing changes, don’t bombard them with questions. Have a calm conversation, ask open-ended questions, and see how you can help without adding more pressure. Sometimes all they need is someone to listen and work through things together.

8) Teach resilience.

It’s not all about winning or beating the person next to you—especially if your kid’s in an individual sport. Instead, teach them to be better than their last competition, not just the last person they faced. It’s all about leveling up their own game, one step at a time.

Here is my pro tip: Remind them—every race, every match, every performance is a chance to kick butt and grow. Winning is cool, but getting better each time is where the magic happens. So celebrate the effort, cheer for the progress, and help them enjoy the ride—because it’s not just about the finish line, it’s about how they show up and what they learn along the way!

9) Don’t Be the Parent Coaching Your Kid on the Sidelines:

It's tempting, but don’t try to call the shots from the bleachers! Your athlete already has a coach—let them do their job. You’re there to cheer them on, not to shout instructions.

Here is my pro tip: Stay in your lane—let the coach handle the strategy while you focus on offering support and encouragement. When you trust the coach’s guidance, your athlete will feel more confident, knowing they have a solid team behind them, including you!

10) Know that there’s a possibility of life beyond sport.

While it’s great to be fully invested in your athlete’s journey, it’s also important to prepare for the day when they might not want to play anymore. Whether it’s burnout, a shift in interests, or a natural end to their athletic career, it’s crucial to be supportive of their decision and help them navigate this transition.

You might be reading this as a parent and thinking, "This will never happen to me!" But trust me, it does. Athletes grow, interests change, and sometimes the spark for a particular sport fades. It’s all part of their journey, and it’s okay!

Here is my pro tip: Embrace the idea that their identity isn’t defined by the sport they play. Encourage them to explore other passions and dreams. Life beyond sport is full of opportunities, and as their parent, you’ll be there to support them no matter what path they choose next. When the time comes, be ready to help them take that next step with confidence and excitement!

Ultimately, guiding young athletes the right way isn’t about pushing for more wins or living through their achievements—it’s about helping them grow, build resilience, and find joy in the process. As parents, guardians, coaches, and mentors, our role is to support their development both as athletes and as individuals. When we lead with empathy, patience, and respect, sports become more than just a game—they become a tool for lifelong growth, valuable lessons, and personal fulfillment that will stick with them long after their playing days are over.