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Balancing Act: Youth Sports in Divided Families (Bonus Interview with Dr. Alec Baker)
What happens when the already intense world of competitive youth sports collides with the complexities of co-parenting after divorce? Dr. Alec Baker, a psychologist specializing in both sports psychology and family dynamics, joins Dr. Royster to explore this challenging intersection where parental dreams, financial pressures, and children's wellbeing often compete for priority.
Drawing from his background as a former competitive athlete whose career was cut short by injuries, Dr. Baker offers a compassionate perspective on why youth sports environments can become pressure cookers for family stress. His doctoral research revealed a concerning connection – as the percentage of family income devoted to youth sports increases, marital satisfaction (particularly for women) tends to decrease. When divorce enters the picture, these financial and scheduling strains often intensify, creating new battlegrounds for already conflicted co-parents.
The conversation challenges several pervasive myths about youth athletic development. Contrary to the fear-driven narrative that children must specialize early or "miss their chance," Dr. Baker explains why multi-sport participation and physical literacy development until ages 12-14 creates stronger, more resilient athletes. This evidence-based approach not only benefits children's athletic trajectory but can significantly reduce family stress by decreasing financial and time commitments during those early years.
Most valuable for divorced parents are the practical strategies shared for supporting young athletes without adding pressure. Dr. Baker distinguishes between beneficial support (which enhance
If you’re tired of every conversation with your ex turning into a fight, the High Conflict Communication Bootcamp for Moms is for you. In this self-paced 3 day online course, get scripts, strategies, and a workbook you can use right away, designed for moms in high-conflict co-parenting and parallel parenting. Enroll now for just $19 here.
BestInterest Co-Parenting App: Join BestInterest App and get 22% off yearly subscriptions with code LITTLEHOUSE22
BestInterest Co-Parenting AppJoin BestInterest App and get 22% off yearly subscriptions with code LITTLEHOUSE22
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Kids First CoParenting System: NOW a MEMBERSHIP!!! If you are co-parenting with a narcissist, dealing with a manipulative ex, or feeling overwhelmed by high-conflict dynamics, you are not alone. These resources are designed to help you protect your child’s emotional health and take back control of your co-parenting experience.
Get More Support
- How to Co-Parent with a Difficult Ex Masterclass (Free & Instant Access)
- Kids First Co-Parenting Membership (First Month $48.50--> $97 after that, cancel anytime)
Explore the Kids First Co-Parenting System to learn how to raise emotionally secure kids after divorce, even when your co-parent refuses to change. This is the support system every overwhelmed mom needs.
Social Links:
- Youtube
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By Dr. Karalynn RoysterWhat happens when the already intense world of competitive youth sports collides with the complexities of co-parenting after divorce? Dr. Alec Baker, a psychologist specializing in both sports psychology and family dynamics, joins Dr. Royster to explore this challenging intersection where parental dreams, financial pressures, and children's wellbeing often compete for priority.
Drawing from his background as a former competitive athlete whose career was cut short by injuries, Dr. Baker offers a compassionate perspective on why youth sports environments can become pressure cookers for family stress. His doctoral research revealed a concerning connection – as the percentage of family income devoted to youth sports increases, marital satisfaction (particularly for women) tends to decrease. When divorce enters the picture, these financial and scheduling strains often intensify, creating new battlegrounds for already conflicted co-parents.
The conversation challenges several pervasive myths about youth athletic development. Contrary to the fear-driven narrative that children must specialize early or "miss their chance," Dr. Baker explains why multi-sport participation and physical literacy development until ages 12-14 creates stronger, more resilient athletes. This evidence-based approach not only benefits children's athletic trajectory but can significantly reduce family stress by decreasing financial and time commitments during those early years.
Most valuable for divorced parents are the practical strategies shared for supporting young athletes without adding pressure. Dr. Baker distinguishes between beneficial support (which enhance
If you’re tired of every conversation with your ex turning into a fight, the High Conflict Communication Bootcamp for Moms is for you. In this self-paced 3 day online course, get scripts, strategies, and a workbook you can use right away, designed for moms in high-conflict co-parenting and parallel parenting. Enroll now for just $19 here.
BestInterest Co-Parenting App: Join BestInterest App and get 22% off yearly subscriptions with code LITTLEHOUSE22
BestInterest Co-Parenting AppJoin BestInterest App and get 22% off yearly subscriptions with code LITTLEHOUSE22
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Kids First CoParenting System: NOW a MEMBERSHIP!!! If you are co-parenting with a narcissist, dealing with a manipulative ex, or feeling overwhelmed by high-conflict dynamics, you are not alone. These resources are designed to help you protect your child’s emotional health and take back control of your co-parenting experience.
Get More Support
- How to Co-Parent with a Difficult Ex Masterclass (Free & Instant Access)
- Kids First Co-Parenting Membership (First Month $48.50--> $97 after that, cancel anytime)
Explore the Kids First Co-Parenting System to learn how to raise emotionally secure kids after divorce, even when your co-parent refuses to change. This is the support system every overwhelmed mom needs.
Social Links:
- Youtube