Are today's parents helping—or unintentionally hurting—their young athletes?
In this powerful episode of the Thinklete Podcast, Derek and Aleka sit down with Kirsten Jones—former Nike executive, Division I Hall of Fame athlete, bestselling author of Raising Empowered Athletes, and one of the leading voices in youth sports parenting.
Together they unpack why youth sports have become more stressful than ever, how parents can stop chasing outcomes, and what actually builds confidence in athletes—especially those with ADHD and other neurodivergent brains.
In this conversation, you'll learn:
Why parents should be potters, not promoters
How to build lasting confidence instead of chasing trophies
The biggest mistakes parents make on the sidelines
Why body language matters more than talent
How to help ADHD athletes handle criticism and coaching
The "3 Fs" every young athlete needs: Friends, Fun, and Fundamentals
Why college coaches care more about character than statistics
How to make the car ride home after games a positive experience
Why listening is one of the greatest parenting skills in sports
Whether you're raising an elite athlete or simply want your child to love sports for life, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can use immediately.
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the Thinklete Podcast, leave a review, and share it with another parent or coach who wants to help young athletes build confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of sports.
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