If you’re navigating the world of youth sports with your kids, this episode is for you. I sat down with Ed Uszynski and Brian Smith, two seasoned sports dads with decades of experience in athletics and ministry to talk about one of the biggest parenting pressures today: how do we raise kids who love sports without losing sight of their faith, values, and family life?

Whether you're in the early stages of weekend games or juggling high-stakes club teams, this conversation offers so much wisdom and practical advice for keeping Jesus at the center.

Here are four takeaways from our conversation:

• How to keep your child’s identity rooted in Christ not in their performance
• Why character development > championship rings (and how to model that)
• Questions to ask when it’s time to set boundaries or take a step back
• The importance of re-centering your family's values in the middle of a busy sports season

Ed and Brian are the co-authors of Away Game: A Christian Parent's Guide to Navigating Youth Sports. With deep backgrounds in athletics, family ministry, and discipleship, they speak directly to the heart of Christian parents trying to balance competition, character, and calling. Their passion is helping families honor God both on and off the field.

I’m so grateful for this timely conversation, and I hope it encourages you to lead your kids through sports with peace, confidence, and kingdom perspective.

(02:49) The Youth Sports Industrial Complex

(05:30) Parental Pressures and Identity in Sports

(08:21) Recognizing Warning Signs as Parents

(11:21) Navigating the Balance of Support and Pressure

(14:06) Character Building Through Sports

(17:07) The Impact of Social Media on Youth Sports

(19:58) The Dangers of Specialization in Youth Sports

(21:33) Integrating Faith and Sports for Holistic Development

(26:00) Balancing Sports and Family Spiritual Life

(28:55) Navigating Sundays: Sports vs. Church

(34:41) Encouragement for Parents in the Sports Landscape

Resources Mentioned

Away Game book

A Great Cloud of Witnesses prayer journal

Christian Parenting products

Adventure Bible

Connect with Ed Uszynski and Brian Smith

Ed Uszynski X

Ed Uszynsky Instagram

Brian Smith Instagram

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

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