Original show description (Jan. 31, 2024):

Fresh off a youth wrestling tournament, I'm bringing some observations and insights that can help you navigate the world of youth sports.

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*Crazy to see how this podcast episode from two years ago evolved into The Sports Parenting Podcast.

For online programs, books and more, visit: https://www.charliespaniard.com.

No parking. No seats. High fees. Big emotions.

At some point, we've all wondered: Is this even worth it?

In this episode, we zoom out and evaluate youth sports honestly — the cost, the chaos, the pressure — and ask whether it's serving our kids, our family and our values.

For online programs, books and more, visit: https://www.charliespaniard.com.

I once heard that expectations are one of the biggest causes of conflict in marriage. When we get on the same page with our spouse, things usually go better. The same is true with our kids and sports.

In this episode, we talk about handling adversity before and after competition by setting expectations ahead of time — how we show up, how we respond to wins and losses and how we support our kids when things don't go as planned.

For online programs, books and more, visit: https://www.charliespaniard.com.

Blame is one of the most damaging habits in sports — and in life. It creates excuses and keeps us stuck.

In this episode, we break down how blame shows up everywhere in youth sports — athletes blaming coaches, teammates blaming each other, parents blaming refs, coaches blaming officials — and why none of it moves us forward.

More importantly, we talk about how we can take ownership of our role, model accountability for our kids and shift from finger-pointing to problem-solving.

For online programs, books and more, visit: https://www.charliespaniard.com.

Confidence matters. As parents, we often feel like it's our job to help our athletes build confidence so they can perform at their best. But sometimes, confidence isn't something to chase or force. There's another option — one that's neither confidence nor lack of confidence — and it's something I've found real comfort in. In this episode, I share that perspective and how it might help your athlete, too.

For online programs, books and more, visit: https://www.charliespaniard.com.

Sometimes, moving forward means pushing harder. And sometimes, moving forward means pausing — even taking a step back — before moving in a different direction. Knowing when to maintain full steam ahead, and knowing when to redirect, is a balance. It's not a perfect science, and in this episode, you'll gain insight and guidance to help you better address your athlete's specific situation.

For online programs, books and more, visit: https://www.charliespaniard.com.

Stemming from the idea, "They don't know what they don't know," this episode is about knowing what you don't know. It's about taking an honest look at yourself and asking, "What do I know?" and "What do I not know?" It's about humility and seeking out the best when it comes to being a sports parent and coach.

For online programs, books and more, visit: https://www.charliespaniard.com.

I may get some flack for this one, but I don't believe youth sports is all about fun. I believe it's about creating positive environments and experiences AND providing a foundation for future excellence for those young athletes who know exactly what they want at a young age. What do you think?

For online programs, books and more, visit: https://www.charliespaniard.com.

Inspired by a recent interaction at a youth wrestling tournament, this episode focuses on: 1. the moms, dads and coaches that make you want to explode, and 2. how you respond to them. Though you can't fix stupid, you can fix (at least improve) your response to it.

For online programs, books and more, visit: https://www.charliespaniard.com.

All you can do is all you can do — and for parents of young athletes, that truth matters.

In this episode, I break down why growth can't be rushed, using the same "time under tension" principle we see in the weight room. You'll learn the real role parents play: creating the environment, not guaranteeing the outcome. We'll talk about the lag time of improvement, why doing everything leads to burnout, and how acceptance often supports your athlete better than anxiety ever could. If you've ever wondered, "What more can I do for my kid?" — this episode gives you the clarity and peace you've been looking for.

For online programs, books and more, visit: https://www.charliespaniard.com.