Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast

Hosted by Samantha Livingstone

Ep. 10 - Jen Woodruff - The Power of Mentorship

In this episode of the Real Talk for Sports Parents podcast, host Samantha Livingstone brings in Jen Woodruff, her former University of Michigan swim teammate, to discuss the intricate dynamics of parenting in the world of sports.

Jen shares her journey from being a Michigan swimmer coping with significant life events, to becoming a collegiate coach, and now a sports parent and spouse of a coach. They discuss the importance of mentorship from figures like Greg Harden, the pressures of early specialization in sports, the necessity of balancing family time, and the challenges of ensuring that sports remain enjoyable and not solely results-driven. Jen emphasizes the significance of connection, allowing children to fail safely, and maintaining joy in athletic pursuits. This episode offers valuable insights for parents navigating their children's sports journeys.

· 03:50 Jen's Early Life and Athletic Journey

· 10:50 College Challenges and Mentorship

· 13:22 The Impact of Greg Harden

· 20:21 Transition to Coaching and Family Life

· 27:08 Balancing Sports and Parenting

· 34:19 Navigating Youth Sports Pressure

· 35:34 Parental Perspectives on Youth Sports

· 36:55 Balancing Performance and Enjoyment

· 40:07 The Role of Coaches and Free Play

· 42:07 Managing Expectations and Long-Term Goals

· 46:00 The Importance of Failure and Resilience

· 01:00:25 Practical Tips for Parents

Quotes

• "We get to teach our kids that it's not about being perfect—it's about staying connected." [06:01]

• "A mentor holds a mirror and reflects back what we sometimes can't see in ourselves." [13:42] • "There is profound power in simply showing up again and again." [38:17]

Social Media and Links

· RTSP Instagram

· samanthalivingstone

· "Staying Sane in an Insane World" by Greg Harden