Ever feel like you've become a human ATM for your little rock stars?  Yeah, me too!  This episode is all about the guilt trip we all take – neglecting ourselves for the sake of our kids' athletic dreams.

Forget the trophy case – the real reward is a happy, healthy YOU! Taking care of yourself actually makes you a BETTER parent for your kids. I will be talking about the importance of finding a balance between supporting your athlete's dreams and keeping yourself happy.

What do you do to recharge and fill your cup? Let's build a community of supportive parents who know it's okay to say "I deserve this!"

We dig into the quiet trap many athlete parents fall into: spending and planning for our kids while forgetting our own needs. By naming guilt, choosing a simple mantra, and embracing small, steady treats, we show how parent self-care strengthens athletic success.

• naming the pattern of losing ourselves in their sport
• the rising costs and hidden emotional toll
• spotting guilt and the self-care pause
• adopting the mantra I deserve this
• choosing small, regular treats without remorse
• how parent well-being boosts athlete performance
• long-term identity beyond kids’ sports
• building a balanced, abundance mindset

I would love to hear your side of this. Do you guys go through any of this like compromises in your head? What kind of self-care are you choosing for yourselves?

About This Podcast

It takes a village to raise a pro athlete.

For the first time ever this channel takes you behind the athlete’s ‘unspoken’ road what it really takes to raise athletes. 

What to expect when you listen:

Real, Raw Truth

Laughter

The Struggles & Successes

ABOUT YOUR HOST:

Marina Kuperman Villatoro, a mama who is on a mission to help her sons reach their athletic (rock climbing) goals and dreams. 

Connect and be Part of the Strategic Village

SIGN UP FOR THE LATEST UNCENSORED HACKS and TIPS

https://raisingproathletes.com/sign-up/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raisingproathletes/ 

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@raisingproathletes 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@raisingproathletes 

Website - https://raisingproathletes.com/ 

Ever watched your kids crumble under pressure at a competition? Yeah, been there. This episode is all about the ultimate game-changer: mental toughness training!

It's not about being born tough, it's about building mental strength! I'll share a personal story of my son's competition flop, to show you how important mental preparation is. I'll also share some awesome tips on mental toughness that'll have your kid's mind feeling like their biggest cheerleader, not their worst critic. So, let's dive in!

We argue that 80–90% of performance comes from the mind and share a simple, daily routine parents can run at home to build mental toughness in young athletes. A tough result at the Spanish Cup becomes the trigger for a five-part training system that turns pressure into focus.

• debunking the myth of being “born” mentally tough
• parents’ responsibility when teams lack time for mindset
• a competition story where thoughts derailed performance
• awareness as the starting line for change
• daily visualization tied to clear, controllable goals
• meditation to notice and release unhelpful thoughts
• rewriting stories to focus on what can be controlled
• journaling wins, lessons, and if-then plans
• commitment to short, consistent practice across the family

If you enjoyed this episode, like, subscribe, please leave me a review, share it with your friends, and remember it's really important for us to all work together

About This Podcast

It takes a village to raise a pro athlete.

For the first time ever this channel takes you behind the athlete’s ‘unspoken’ road what it really takes to raise athletes. 

What to expect when you listen:

Real, Raw Truth

Laughter

The Struggles & Successes

ABOUT YOUR HOST:

Marina Kuperman Villatoro, a mama who is on a mission to help her sons reach their athletic (rock climbing) goals and dreams. 

Connect and be Part of the Strategic Village

SIGN UP FOR THE LATEST UNCENSORED HACKS and TIPS

https://raisingproathletes.com/sign-up/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raisingproathletes/ 

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@raisingproathletes 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@raisingproathletes 

Website - https://raisingproathletes.com/ 

Today, I'm going to really open up about a topic that's close to home for many of us: the invisible battles that many extreme athletes face, the trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Find out how PTSD can sneak up on even the toughest athletes, and why it might not show up right away. Learn the red flags to watch out for so you can catch it before it takes hold.

• the high rate of PTSD among extreme athletes
• injuries in climbing and family impact
• delayed onset and subtle signs at home
• moving from defensiveness to curiosity
• research, therapy options, and medication choices
• practical language for support and de-escalation
• normalizing triggers in unexpected places
• inviting listener stories to build community

If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe, leave me a review, share it with your friends

About This Podcast

It takes a village to raise a pro athlete.

For the first time ever this channel takes you behind the athlete’s ‘unspoken’ road what it really takes to raise athletes. 

What to expect when you listen:

Real, Raw Truth

Laughter

The Struggles & Successes

ABOUT YOUR HOST:

Marina Kuperman Villatoro, a mama who is on a mission to help her sons reach their athletic (rock climbing) goals and dreams. 

Connect and be Part of the Strategic Village

SIGN UP FOR THE LATEST UNCENSORED HACKS and TIPS

https://raisingproathletes.com/sign-up/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raisingproathletes/ 

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@raisingproathletes 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@raisingproathletes 

Website - https://raisingproathletes.com/ 

Let's talk about the elephant in the room (or maybe the belay station) – your relationship with your partner! This episode is all about keeping the spark alive when your life revolves around raising champion athletes.

Do you remember why you fell in love with your partner in the first place? Juggling kids, competitions, and early morning belay duty – who has time for romance? Well, I’d love to share some tips on how to keep your relationship strong, even when your kids are the ones conquering the walls.

• naming the unspoken strain on couples in youth sports
• why a strong partnership lowers family tension
• examples of role imbalance and how to reset it
• simple rituals to reconnect without kid talk
• using boundaries to protect time together
• how happier parents shape calmer, braver athletes
• building a village to share rides and duties
• inviting listener strategies and experiences

If you guys enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, share, do the whole thing

About This Podcast

It takes a village to raise a pro athlete.

For the first time ever this channel takes you behind the athlete’s ‘unspoken’ road what it really takes to raise athletes. 

What to expect when you listen:

Real, Raw Truth

Laughter

The Struggles & Successes

ABOUT YOUR HOST:

Marina Kuperman Villatoro, a mama who is on a mission to help her sons reach their athletic (rock climbing) goals and dreams. 

Connect and be Part of the Strategic Village

SIGN UP FOR THE LATEST UNCENSORED HACKS and TIPS

https://raisingproathletes.com/sign-up/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raisingproathletes/ 

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@raisingproathletes 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@raisingproathletes 

Website - https://raisingproathletes.com/ 

Today, let's dive into the often debated topic of homeschooling versus traditional schooling for young athletes. We'll explore the reality, challenges, and alternative education options that can support their athletic journey.

As we discovered firsthand, many successful pro athletes are homeschooled or engage in flexible remote learning due to the demanding travel and training commitments. However, homeschooling didn't align with our family dynamic. We sought alternative education paths that are offered by the progressive alternative schools. These schools provide flexibility, support, and a community that embraces the pursuit of athletic dreams. It's important to consider that alternative education comes with an extra cost, which can vary depending on the program and location.

I'm curious to hear how you navigate education in your household. Are you homeschooling, exploring online learning, or perhaps embracing unschooling or world schooling? Share your experiences and join the conversation. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all solution, but together, we can empower and support our young athletes through their educational journey.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Exploring Alternative Education for Thriving Young Athletes  [00:00:00 - 00:02:03]
• Benefits of Progressive Alternative Schools  [00:02:04 - 00:04:18]

________________________________________________

About This Podcast

It takes a village to raise a pro athlete.

For the first time ever this channel takes you behind the athlete’s ‘unspoken’ road what it really takes to raise athletes. 

Marina pulls back the curtain and dives deep into chats with the UNSUNG Heroes – parents, the coaches, the sponsors, the nutritionists and the mindset specialist – revealing the realities of what it takes to support a  child in reaching their ultimate potential in becoming a pro athlete.

This is YOUR village.  

A home for Uncensored Advice for you– the Unsung Heroes of part of the ‘unspoken’ journey behind the athletes!

What to expect when you listen:

Real, Raw Truth
Laughter
The Struggles & Successes

ABOUT YOUR HOST:

Marina Kuperman Villatoro, a mama who is on a mission to help her sons reach their athletic (rock climbing) goals and dreams. 

Connect and be Part of the Strategic Village

SIGN UP FOR THE LATEST UNCENSORED HACKS and TIPS
https://raisingproathletes.com/sign-up/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raisingproathletes/ 

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@raisingproathletes 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@raisingproathletes 

Website - https://raisingproathletes.com/ 

About This Podcast

It takes a village to raise a pro athlete.

For the first time ever this channel takes you behind the athlete’s ‘unspoken’ road what it really takes to raise athletes. 

What to expect when you listen:

Real, Raw Truth

Laughter

The Struggles & Successes

ABOUT YOUR HOST:

Marina Kuperman Villatoro, a mama who is on a mission to help her sons reach their athletic (rock climbing) goals and dreams. 

Connect and be Part of the Strategic Village

SIGN UP FOR THE LATEST UNCENSORED HACKS and TIPS

https://raisingproathletes.com/sign-up/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raisingproathletes/ 

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@raisingproathletes 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@raisingproathletes 

Website - https://raisingproathletes.com/ 

With a crew of eight to ten cameras capturing their every move, the climbers' true characters emerged. Some blossomed, energized by the attention and excitement - it was evident that being in front of the camera fueled their performance. On the other hand, a few talented athletes struggled to handle the pressure. Their innate abilities momentarily faded as they faced the overwhelming presence of cameras.

Becoming a professional athlete entails learning to thrive in front of the cameras. It's an essential skill to master. As spectators, we only see the final result, the polished performance. But behind the scenes, the influence of cameras on an athlete's mindset is a fascinating phenomenon. Have you noticed a change in your own children when they face the lens of a professional camera? Share your experiences and let's explore the impact of cameras on athletes and the remarkable ways they adapt to the spotlight.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• The Impact of Cameras on Young Athletes  [00:00:00 - 00:01:03]
• The Importance of Mastering the Art of Being Filmed [00:01:04 - 00:02:56]

________________________________________________

About This Podcast

It takes a village to raise a pro athlete.

For the first time ever this channel takes you behind the athlete’s ‘unspoken’ road what it really takes to raise athletes. 

Marina pulls back the curtain and dives deep into chats with the UNSUNG Heroes – parents, the coaches, the sponsors, the nutritionists and the mindset specialist – revealing the realities of what it takes to support a  child in reaching their ultimate potential in becoming a pro athlete.

This is YOUR village.  

A home for Uncensored Advice for you– the Unsung Heroes of part of the ‘unspoken’ journey behind the athletes!

What to expect when you listen:

Real, Raw Truth
Laughter
The Struggles & Successes

ABOUT YOUR HOST:

Marina Kuperman Villatoro, a mama who is on a mission to help her sons reach their athletic (rock climbing) goals and dreams. 

Connect and be Part of the Strategic Village

SIGN UP FOR THE LATEST UNCENSORED HACKS and TIPS
https://raisingproathletes.com/sign-up/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raisingproathletes/ 

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@raisingproathletes 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@raisingproathletes 

Website - https://raisingproathletes.com/ 

About This Podcast

It takes a village to raise a pro athlete.

For the first time ever this channel takes you behind the athlete’s ‘unspoken’ road what it really takes to raise athletes. 

What to expect when you listen:

Real, Raw Truth

Laughter

The Struggles & Successes

ABOUT YOUR HOST:

Marina Kuperman Villatoro, a mama who is on a mission to help her sons reach their athletic (rock climbing) goals and dreams. 

Connect and be Part of the Strategic Village

SIGN UP FOR THE LATEST UNCENSORED HACKS and TIPS

https://raisingproathletes.com/sign-up/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raisingproathletes/ 

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@raisingproathletes 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@raisingproathletes 

Website - https://raisingproathletes.com/ 

As parents, we invest in memberships, coaching, federation, and equipment, but often overlook the significance of a uniform. It's not just about appearance; it symbolizes commitment and belonging. When your child is the only one without a uniform in the team, it creates a sense of detachment and sends the wrong message. By embracing the uniform, your child becomes an integral part of a unit, fostering a sense of camaraderie and team spirit.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Commitment Beyond Membership: The Importance of Uniforms in Team Sports  [00:00:00 - 00:01:24]
• From Head to Toe: The Essential Elements of a Team Uniform  [00:01:25 - 00:03:23]

________________________________________________

About This Podcast

It takes a village to raise a pro athlete.

For the first time ever this channel takes you behind the athlete’s ‘unspoken’ road what it really takes to raise athletes. 

Marina pulls back the curtain and dives deep into chats with the UNSUNG Heroes – parents, the coaches, the sponsors, the nutritionists and the mindset specialist – revealing the realities of what it takes to support a  child in reaching their ultimate potential in becoming a pro athlete.

This is YOUR village.  

A home for Uncensored Advice for you– the Unsung Heroes of part of the ‘unspoken’ journey behind the athletes!

What to expect when you listen:

Real, Raw Truth
Laughter
The Struggles & Successes

ABOUT YOUR HOST:

Marina Kuperman Villatoro, a mama who is on a mission to help her sons reach their athletic (rock climbing) goals and dreams. 

Connect and be Part of the Strategic Village

SIGN UP FOR THE LATEST UNCENSORED HACKS and TIPS
https://raisingproathletes.com/sign-up/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raisingproathletes/ 

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@raisingproathletes 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@raisingproathletes 

Website - https://raisingproathletes.com/ 

About This Podcast

It takes a village to raise a pro athlete.

For the first time ever this channel takes you behind the athlete’s ‘unspoken’ road what it really takes to raise athletes. 

What to expect when you listen:

Real, Raw Truth

Laughter

The Struggles & Successes

ABOUT YOUR HOST:

Marina Kuperman Villatoro, a mama who is on a mission to help her sons reach their athletic (rock climbing) goals and dreams. 

Connect and be Part of the Strategic Village

SIGN UP FOR THE LATEST UNCENSORED HACKS and TIPS

https://raisingproathletes.com/sign-up/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raisingproathletes/ 

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@raisingproathletes 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@raisingproathletes 

Website - https://raisingproathletes.com/ 

In our society, there's an ingrained belief that university education is the only path to success. But what if your child's passion lies in becoming a professional rock climber or excelling in a particular sport? So today, we're diving into a critical topic that demands our attention: how to properly educate our athletes to help them reach their highest potential.

As a parent, we must challenge the prevailing paradigm of non-traditional education invalidity and recognize that the prime years for nurturing an athlete's potential are during their teens and early 20s. Investing in their athletic training and development can offer a wealth of invaluable life lessons, discipline, and teamwork skills that extend far beyond traditional education.

Instead of mindlessly following the societal pressure to enroll our children in universities, let's reevaluate our priorities. Why should we pour exorbitant sums into an education that lacks direction or purpose when we could invest in their athletic pursuits? It's time to break free from the student loan cycle and consider the remarkable opportunities our current era presents. Today, we have the flexibility to pursue multiple careers and acquire knowledge at any stage of life. Let's empower our children to embrace their true passions and chart their own paths to success. Let's challenge societal norms, make informed choices, and unlock the incredible potential within our young athletes.

________________________________________________

About This Podcast

It takes a village to raise a pro athlete.

For the first time ever this channel takes you behind the athlete’s ‘unspoken’ road and talks to the people that normally get very little mention, but are the ones who are responsible for the underlying success of an athlete.

Marina pulls back the curtain and dives deep into chats with the UNSUNG Heroes – parents, the coaches, the sponsors, the nutritionists and the mindset specialist – revealing the realities of what it takes to support a  child in reaching their ultimate potential in becoming a pro athlete.

This is YOUR village.  

A home for Uncensored Advice for you– the Unsung Heroes of part of the ‘unspoken’ journey behind the athletes!

What to expect when you listen:

Real, Raw Truth

Laughter

The Struggles & Successes

ABOUT YOUR HOST:

Marina Kuperman Villatoro, a mama who is on a mission to help her sons reach their athletic (rock climbing) goals and dreams. 

Connect and be Part of the Strategic Village

SIGN UP FOR THE LATEST UNCENSORED HACKS and TIPS

https://raisingproathletes.com/join-us-raising-pro-athletes/ 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/marina.kuperman.villatoro/ 

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@marinakupermanvillatoro 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@raisingproathletes 

Website - https://raisingproathletes.com/ 

We're going to explore the exciting world of rock climbing and talk about one of the most important things climbers need to know: Pockets. 

These are small holes or spaces in the rock that you can use to grip onto, whether it's a one-finger pocket or a four-finger pocket. We'll learn about the different types of pockets, how to use them, and the challenges they present. Get ready for an adventure-packed episode that will leave you wanting to hit the rocks and start climbing!

________________________________________________

About This Podcast

It takes a village to raise a pro athlete.

For the first time ever this channel takes you behind the athlete’s ‘unspoken’ road and talks to the people that normally get very little mention, but are the ones who are responsible for the underlying success of an athlete.

Marina pulls back the curtain and dives deep into chats with the UNSUNG Heroes – parents, the coaches, the sponsors, the nutritionists and the mindset specialist – revealing the realities of what it takes to support a  child in reaching their ultimate potential in becoming a pro athlete.

This is YOUR village.  

A home for Uncensored Advice for you– the Unsung Heroes of part of the ‘unspoken’ journey behind the athletes!

What to expect when you listen:

Real, Raw Truth

Laughter

The Struggles & Successes

ABOUT YOUR HOST:

Marina Kuperman Villatoro, a mama who is on a mission to help her sons reach their athletic (rock climbing) goals and dreams. 

Connect and be Part of the Strategic Village

SIGN UP FOR THE LATEST UNCENSORED HACKS and TIPS

https://raisingproathletes.com/join-us-raising-pro-athletes/ 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/marina.kuperman.villatoro/ 

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@marinakupermanvillatoro 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@raisingproathletes 

Website - https://raisingproathletes.com/ 

I'm going to give you the inside scoop on what an approach really means in rock climbing. The approach is the journey from the trailhead to the actual rock face, and it can be a real adventure in itself. From steep terrain to dense forests, the approach can be a daunting task that requires endurance, patience, and a willingness to take risks. But trust me, the reward of reaching the top of that rock is worth every step of the approach. So let's lace up our boots and get ready to explore the world of rock climbing approaches in this episode!

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About This Podcast

It takes a village to raise a pro athlete.

For the first time ever this channel takes you behind the athlete’s ‘unspoken’ road and talks to the people that normally get very little mention, but are the ones who are responsible for the underlying success of an athlete.

Marina pulls back the curtain and dives deep into chats with the UNSUNG Heroes – parents, the coaches, the sponsors, the nutritionists and the mindset specialist – revealing the realities of what it takes to support a  child in reaching their ultimate potential in becoming a pro athlete.

This is YOUR village.  

A home for Uncensored Advice for you– the Unsung Heroes of part of the ‘unspoken’ journey behind the athletes!

What to expect when you listen:

Real, Raw Truth

Laughter

The Struggles & Successes

ABOUT YOUR HOST:

Marina Kuperman Villatoro, a mama who is on a mission to help her sons reach their athletic (rock climbing) goals and dreams. 

Connect and be Part of the Strategic Village

SIGN UP FOR THE LATEST UNCENSORED HACKS and TIPS

https://raisingproathletes.com/join-us-raising-pro-athletes/ 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/marina.kuperman.villatoro/ 

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@marinakupermanvillatoro 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@raisingproathletes 

Website - https://raisingproathletes.com/