14 Ways I’m Going To Be A Better Sports Parent In 2025
1. I WILL MAKE SURE THEY ARE TAKING BREAKS. I won’t promote consistently filling their time with more training and activities. I will embrace and push for them to take time away from sports.
2. I WILL BE A BETTER ROLE MODEL by eating healthier, working out more, and getting off my devices more often – instead of just demanding they do.
MY DAUGHTER QUIT SPORTS, AND THIS IS WHAT I WANT YOUTH SPORTS PARENTS TO KNOW
3. I WILL NOT CARE MORE ABOUT MY KIDS’ SUCCESS IN THEIR SPORT THAN THEY DO. They will drive their own bus – however much they want to push, I will help them achieve their goals. But the motivating force will be them, not me.
4. I WILL NOT LET OTHER PARENTS’ behavior affect my mindset and enjoyment of my kid’s sports.
MY JOURNEY FOUNDING ILOVETOWATCHYOUPLAY
5. I WILL ALLOW MY KIDS THE FREEDOM TO FAIL. Instead of always trying to anticipate their next misstep, I will sit back more and allow them to experience the natural consequences, both positive and negative, from their choices.
6. I WILL STOP HYPER FOCUSING on my child. I will remember that it’s TEAM first and foremost.
7. I WILL FIND MORE TIME OR MAKE THE TIME FOR MORE IMPORTANT PURSUITS like spiritual, altruistic, and fun. Sports has swallowed up the time we used to make for volunteering, religious endeavors, and simply finding hobbies our kids enjoy.
8. I WILL NOT OVERANALYZE THEIR FOOD AND SLEEP as they compete in an Olympic event instead of a youth soccer game.
JOSH ALLEN TAKEAWAYS FOR YOUTH SPORTS PARENTS
9. I WILL VALUE THE CREATIVE, ARTISTIC, AND INTELLECTUAL PURSUITS OF MY CHILDREN THE SAME AS I DO THEIR ATHLETIC PURSUITS. This won’t be passive; it will be actively choosing to have the same interest and support in whatever my children pursue.
10. I WILL LEARN AND UNDERSTAND MORE ABOUT THEIR SPORT AND THEIR POSITION instead of ignorantly commenting on things I’m only guessing about.
11. I WILL STOP SPENDING A SMALL FORTUNE ON THEIR SPORTS. Some are fixed costs, like club dues, gear, and travel costs. But I will do my best to reduce spending on private lessons and take advantage of what the teams offer for extra training and additional practices instead of private training. I will also make them more accountable for their stuff—water bottles, sweatshirts, and balls—so we are not constantly buying new ones.
12. I WILL ENJOY EVERY MINUTE OF THEM PLAYING. I understand how quickly it can come to an end. So, I will fully appreciate each failure and success and understand the value of the journey.
13. I WILL MANAGE MY EXPECTATIONS. Watching them play, I often have unrealistic notions of what they can and should do.
14. I WILL TELL THEM I 💛 TO WATCH THEM PLAY CONSISTENTLY instead of what they need to do better.
