What would you do if your child said they wanted to quit their sport? Would you panic, push them harder, or pause and listen? In this episode, I sit down with Asia Mape, founder of I Love to Watch You Play, to discuss the delicate balance of supporting our young athletes through the highs and lows of their sports journey. Asia brings her experience as a three-time Emmy-winning sports journalist, a former D1 athlete, and a mom of three daughters, two of whom are D1 athletes themselves.

We talk all about the challenges that sports parents face, from preventing burnout to knowing when it’s time to let go, all while creating an environment where our kids feel confident, supported, and excited to play. If you’ve ever questioned how to navigate this complex journey, this episode is for you!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The power of the phrase “I love to watch you play” and why it matters more than you think
• How to handle moments when your child feels disappointed with their performance
• Asia’s personal story about her daughter quitting water polo and the lessons it taught her
• How to recognize signs of burnout and unhappiness in your child
• Practical ways to prepare yourself as a sports parent before a game
• Why your energy on the sidelines can directly impact your child’s confidence and performance
• Actionable tips for balancing sports, family, and long-term goals

Ready to learn how to be the calm, supportive, and empowering sports parent your child needs? Tune in now to hear Asia’s invaluable advice and discover strategies that will transform your family’s sports journey. Listen to the full episode today!

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] Introduction. I introduce today’s episode and our special guest, Asia Mape, founder of I Love to Watch You Play. If you’re a sports parent – whether you’re just starting or have been through multiple seasons – this episode is for you!

[00:02:42] Meet Asia Mape. Asia’s impressive background as a three-time Emmy-winning journalist, former D1 athlete, and mom of three daughters sets the stage for her expertise in improving the youth sports experience.

[00:07:39] Balancing Support and Critique. Asia shares personal struggles as a mom and emphasizes the importance of saying, “I love to watch you play,” even when it’s hard to feel that way inside.

[00:13:07] The Story of Quitting Sports. Asia gets real about her daughter’s decision to quit water polo and the lessons it taught her about listening, adapting, and supporting her child’s changing interests.

[00:19:00] Preventing Burnout. Taking breaks, listening to your child, and thinking long-term are essential steps to keeping kids engaged in sports without overtraining or pushing too hard.

[00:25:16] Preparing Yourself Before the Game. I love Asia’s concept of the “drive to the game”, both literal and metaphorical. It’s all about getting yourself mentally ready as a parent to show up calm, present, and supportive.

[00:32:16] Parenting Is a Practice. Asia reminds us that no parent is perfect, but the goal is to keep trying, learning, and showing up better each time.

[00:33:26] Resources from Asia. Asia shares how parents can access her blog, social media content, and newsletter for more tools and insights on navigating the youth sports journey.

Next Steps:

• 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
• Visit our podcast website for more great episodes

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