Parent

The federal government is yet to mandate the closure of gyms in response to the coronavirus pandemic, but many in Australia and around the world are already shutting their doors. Last week, members of a Fitness First gym in Sydney’s George Street were told they may have been exposed to the coronavirus after an individual who […]

Taking on the responsibility of coaching your child’s recreational sports team can be quite exciting, but it can also cause a bit of anxiety. Sure, it’s very rewarding to take your passion for a certain sport and share it with a team of young players who share the same passion, but along with the thrill […]

Tough conversations are in the parenting job description. Your teen gets caught cheating. You and your spouse are separating and it’s time to tell the kids. Your child gets in trouble for bullying. You learn that your middle schooler is investigating porn sites. What makes tough conversations tough? They are hard because you either feel uncomfortable […]

Physical & Mental Preparation for Youth Sports

There has been a lot of ink devoted to the important role training and nutrition play in maximizing athletic potential. Yet the value of a good night’s sleep has largely been ignored. But with the recent addition of apps that track sleep patterns and promote the health benefits of a sound sleep, more and more […]

Chris Branscome is adamant. The biggest reason kids have stopped playing youth soccer in our region is that it just isn’t fun. Imagine that, the chance to go outside and run around, hang with friends, kick a ball in the fresh air and perhaps develop a lifelong desire to remain fit doesn’t bring enjoyment anymore. […]

Parental worry and anxiety are normal however, being a sports parent can increase those feelings The worry list for sports parents is long: playing time, bullying, conflicts with coaches or teammates, game-time performance, and injuries.  It’s a parental instinct to want to protect our children. One way we make ourselves feel better is to think about those things […]

Mark Greenburg, youth sports coach and former physical education teacher, says that emotional intelligence is one of the most important gifts sports parents can give their kids. In a recent interview with Ultimate Sports Parent Radio, Greenburg, the author of “Elevated Leadership, a Pitch-by-Pitch Guide to Business, Life, and Baseball” said, “The biggest mistake parents make: They […]

Youth sports refs really haven’t changed much in the 25 years since I watched my oldest daughter’s first game. Over the years, I’ve seen refs who called way too much or way too little and many many many “bad” calls. When my kids were playing youth sports, I often found myself yelling at the officials […]

Often the very best tips are the ones that come through word of mouth. The following four-sport parent hacks are a few I’ve observed or know about through friends and family and are so helpful I thought it was worth spreading the word. FACETIME With jobs that require frequent travel, it can be tough to […]