When Your Child Wants to Quit
Manage episode 489287732 series 3650133
Shoot us a text, just like your kid shoots for the goal!" â˝đ
"I don't want to play anymore." These six words can send any sports parent into a tailspin of emotionsâdisappointment, frustration, and even panic. But before you react, take a deep breath.
In this heartfelt episode, Katie and Cari tackle one of the most challenging conversations parents face: when your young athlete wants to quit their sport. Drawing from personal experiences and countless conversations with other parents, they reveal that kids rarely wake up one day suddenly hating their sportâthere's almost always something deeper happening beneath the surface.
The hosts walk through exactly how to handle this delicate situation, starting with the crucial first step: just listen. Without judgment or interruption, create space for your child to express what's really going on. Is it conflict with teammates? Issues with a coach? Overheard conversations about financial strain? Or simply changing interests? Understanding the root cause is essential before making any decisions.
Katie and Cari emphasize that quitting shouldn't be the automatic response to challenges. Learning to work through difficultiesâwhether it's not getting enough playing time or dealing with difficult teammatesâbuilds crucial life skills that extend far beyond sports. They share thoughtful strategies for addressing various issues while supporting your child's emotional needs.
Whether your athlete ultimately stays in their sport or moves on to something new, this episode provides the guidance you need to navigate the conversation with wisdom and compassion. After all, as Cari reminds us, "You're their parent, you're their safe space"âand how you handle this moment can shape not just their athletic journey, but how they approach challenges throughout their life.
Find us on Instagram @soccermomsunfiltered and @kick_it_with_katie_podcast
Chapters
1. Episode Introduction (00:00:00)
2. When Athletes Want to Quit (00:04:37)
3. Don't Have a Knee-Jerk Reaction (00:10:12)
4. Listen and Validate Their Feelings (00:16:15)
5. The Grass Isn't Always Greener (00:24:05)
6. Investigating the Root Cause (00:32:34)
7. Real-Life Quitting Experiences (00:39:14)
9 episodes