In this episode, Stephanie Snyder, Ph.D., unpacks the emotional rollercoaster of parenting young athletes. From early morning practices to sideline coaching and the pressure to perform, sports parenting is a whole identity of its own.

Stephanie explores the unspoken expectations we put on our kids (and ourselves), how to hold space for their growth without projecting our fears, and how to navigate the line between supportive and overbearing.

This is for every parent who's ever sat in the bleachers wondering: Am I helping or hovering?

🔍 Topics Covered

• Why your child's performance isn't a reflection of your parenting

• Letting go of perfectionism on and off the field

• How to cheer with presence, not pressure

• Managing disappointment in a healthy way

• The silent comparison trap between parents and teams

sports parenting, youth athletics, pressure in parenting, emotional intelligence, parenting mindset, child development, sideline parenting, competition and self-worth, family dynamics in sports, growth vs performance

✨ Quote from the Episode

"It's not about pushing them harder—it's about trusting who they're becoming."

📌 Resources

🌐 Website: www.stephaniesnyderphd.com 📸 Instagram: @stephaniesnyderphd 🎧 More episodes: Cutting Through the Bullsht* on your favorite podcast platform

💬 Reflection Prompt

Where in your parenting are you leading with pressure instead of presence? What would it feel like to cheer without control?