What happens when a world-class athlete becomes a youth sports parent?

In this episode, former professional runner and NCAA champion Sara Slattery joins us for a real, vulnerable conversation about the shift from elite competition to everyday parenting. We talk about what it’s like watching your child navigate sports, how early pressure can steal the joy, and why stepping back is sometimes the most loving thing a parent can do.

Sara shares what drove her as a young athlete, what led her own daughter to walk away from sports, and the quiet ways we pass down expectations without even realizing it. If you’ve ever wrestled with the tension between pushing and protecting – or wondered how to help your child find their own path – this conversation is for you.

We cover:

The cost of early success in youth sports

How to respond when your kid wants to quit

Letting go of your own identity to support theirs

Why fun matters more than we think

EDITING NOTE: We had some audio issues and lost the first ten minutes of the conversation where Sara had the opportunity to talk about her kids and what it's like being mom to them. Sorry about that!

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New episodes every Wednesday.

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Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:

https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop

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Get your Weekend Playbook:

https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook

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Follow us on social:

https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparents

https://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparents

https://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparents

https://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents

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