Do you want to improve communication with your athlete daughter?

We’re catching up with Lauren, a mom who has been walking alongside her daughter through the Elite Competitor Program (ECP). We previously talked to Lauren in Episode 120 right before her and her daughter, Lyla, were about to get started. At the time this episode was recorded, they were 4 weeks into the program.

Lauren shares how the program is going, what they’ve both learned so far, and her hopes for their growth as they continue the program together.

Lauren and Lyla’s Background
Lyla is a highly driven, athletic 11-year-old basketball player and cheerleader. As Lyla’s mom, Lauren wants to do what she can to support Lyla and not hinder her throughout her sports journey. Lyla faces a mental block when it comes to tumbling, and she’s had trouble throwing skills that she’s been able to throw previously. 

What Lauren and Lyla Are Learning So Far
Lauren has learned that mental training is just as much about herself as it is about Lyla. She shares that she didn’t know what to say most of the time, and she wanted to offer her support, but didn’t know how.

When Lauren asked Lyla, “how can I best support you?” Lyla said, “you always have the right thing to say, you just don’t always say it at the right time.” This moment was a turning point for them. Since starting the program, their communication has opened up.

What Lauren Is Seeing In Lyla
Now that Lauren lets Lyla be the driver of their conversations, she’s seen Lyla become much more even-keeled. When they discuss things that previously may have caused Lyla to shut down or have a bigger reaction, she’s now much more willing to talk it out. Lauren feels like she has a guidebook on how to have better conversations with Lyla.

How Lyla Is Liking The Program
On Wednesday evenings, you can find Lauren and Lyla posted up at their kitchen table doing their ECP work. Lauren shares that not only is this good quality time for them, but Lyla has expressed that the program work has really made her think.

How Did Lauren Get Lyla On Board
Lyla first responded with, “oh, another person to try to fix me.” And of course, this broke Lauren’s heart! But Lauren was able to reassure her that ECP was a program they would do together, and she would get to meet and talk to other girls her age who are going through the same things.

Lauren could tell that Lyla needed to sit on it for a bit. Lauren would present it to her here and there when the time was right, but she didn't push or pressure Lyla into it. Finally, Lyla realized on her own that going through ECP would be helpful.

What Lauren Would Say To Moms Who Are On The Fence
Lauren wants moms to know that if they’re looking for ways to support their athlete daughters and open the lines of communication, explore ECP. The things they’re learning apply to what they’re going through now, and also to the years ahead.

Lauren and Lyla, we're so grateful to have you both in the ECP community. We're so proud of you for all the hard work you’ve put in so far, and for the ways you continue to show up!

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Helpful Links:

• Come hang out with Lauren on social @runawayjursit and follow her and Lyla's journey through The Elite Competitor Program!
• Visit our podcast website for more on this episode.
• Join our FREE Training for Sports Moms - How to Strengthen Your Athlete Daughter’s Mental Game so She Believes in Herself as Much as You Do