Coaching for the Most Important Coach – The Parent
Sports Parents
Coaching
Sports Parents Coaching provides guidance and strategies to help parents support their young athletes’ mental and emotional well-being for better performance and enjoyment in sports.
Being a sports parent can feel like walking a tightrope. You want your child to excel and be happy in their sport, but it’s easy to unintentionally push too hard or say the wrong thing after a tough loss. Sports Parents Coaching is a service designed to help you, as a parent, become a positive force in your athlete’s mental game. At Rooted Sport Psychology Coaching, we teach parents in Miami, Pembroke Pines, Davie, Fort Lauderdale, and beyond how to support their athletes’ performance and personal growth. Through both in-person sessions in South Florida and convenient online coaching nationwide, we guide sports moms and dads (and any guardians) to navigate the challenges of youth and high school sports with confidence and care.
DO YOU HAVE THESE CHALLENGES?
You're unintentionally increasing your child’s stress and pressure
You struggle to balance support with discipline
Your reactions on the sidelines impact game day atmosphere
You're unsure how to reinforce effort and growth mindset
Lack of parental community and coaching support
Why Sports Parents Matter
Research and experience show that parents have a profound impact on a young athlete’s mindset and motivation. The way you communicate, set expectations, and react to your child’s athletic experiences can shape their confidence and enjoyment. Unfortunately, there isn’t a manual for being the “perfect” sports parent. That’s where our coaching comes in.
Some common scenarios we address include:
01
Pressure vs. Support
It’s natural to want your child to win, but too much pressure can backfire. Studies have found that excessive parental pressure can create stress, burnout, and a “threatening” atmosphere for young athletes. We help you recognize the fine line between encouraging and pressuring, so your child feels supported rather than scared to disappoint you.
02
Communication & Listening
Do you find post-game conversations turn into lectures or critiques? We’ll coach you on effective communication strategies, like focusing on effort and enjoyment rather than just results. Simple changes in wording and tone can make your “car ride home” talks something your athlete looks forward to instead of dreads.
03
Building Confidence, Not Dependence
Learn how to boost your athlete’s confidence by praising their strengths and progress (even in losses) while still letting them take ownership of their sport. We show you how to ask the right questions and empower your child to solve challenges, which builds their self-reliance and resilience.
04
Managing Emotions (Theirs and Yours)
Sports can be emotional for both kids and parents! We provide tools for parents to manage their own anxiety or frustration on the sidelines, and to help calm a nervous or upset athlete. By modeling composure and positivity, you teach your child by example.
05
Healthy Perspective & Values
We reinforce the big-picture values of sports: fun, teamwork, effort, and personal growth. When parents emphasize these over winning at all costs, athletes tend to have better mental health and longer, more fulfilling sports careers. We’ll help you align your actions with these healthy sports values.
What to Expect from Sports Parent Coaching
Our Sports Parents Coaching typically involves one-on-one sessions between you (or you and a co-parent) and our sports psychology coach. In an initial meeting, we’ll discuss your child’s sports involvement, your current approach as a parent, and any specific challenges you’re facing. For example, maybe your teenager gets extremely nervous before games and you’re not sure how to help, or perhaps conflicts with coaches or other parents are stressing you and your child out.
From there, we create a personalized coaching plan. This isn’t a lecture or judgment on parenting—it’s a collaborative process. We might introduce you to insights from sport psychology research on parenting, share successful techniques other families use, and work through real-life scenarios with you. You’ll gain practical tips such as:
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How to give constructive feedback after competitions (and how long to wait before discussing a game, if at all).
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Ways to encourage discipline and a strong work ethic without resorting to punishment or fear.
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Strategies to keep sports fun, like letting your child take the lead in talking about their game, or celebrating small victories and effort.
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Techniques for handling disagreements with coaches or dealing with perceived unfairness, while staying professional and setting a good example for your athlete.
Between coaching sessions, you might try out some of these approaches at your child’s next practice or tournament. In follow-ups, we’ll talk about what worked and where you still feel stuck. Over time, you’ll notice a shift: not only will your young athlete likely become more confident and relaxed, but you’ll enjoy the sports journey more as well. Instead of stress, those weekends at the tournaments or weeknights in the stands can become quality bonding time.
Supporting Athletes In Miami and Beyond
Our sports parent coaching is available locally across South Florida and online across the country. If you’re in the Miami metro area (including Pembroke Pines, Davie, or Fort Lauderdale), we can meet in person or even observe a practice or game (with your and your child’s comfort) to give tailored feedback. If you’re elsewhere, virtual sessions allow us to connect face-to-face via video at your convenience, so you can still get expert guidance no matter where you live.
We welcome parents of athletes at all levels – whether your child is just starting out in youth sports or competing in high school/club leagues with college dreams. It’s never too early or too late to learn better ways to support them. In fact, making positive changes in your approach can transform not just your child’s performance, but your whole family’s sports experience.
By investing in Sports Parents Coaching, you’re ultimately investing in your child’s well-being and success. You’ll become more than just a spectator; you’ll be a true teammate in your athlete’s journey, equipped with the knowledge to bring out their best.
And remember, if your athlete is facing challenges that might benefit from direct support, we can help there too. Our coach can work one-on-one with your son or daughter through One-on-One Mental Performance Coaching to complement the progress you’re making as a parent. We can also coordinate group seminars for sports parents in team or league settings if there’s interest in educating a whole community of parents (similar to what we do in our Team Seminars).
Being a supportive sports parent is a learning process, but you don’t have to figure it all out alone. With Sports Parents Coaching, you’ll gain peace of mind and effective strategies to raise not just a better athlete, but a happier, healthier one too.
"I felt so prepared, confident, and comfortable going into the game"
"I felt more mentally prepared for any sporting event I’ve ever done…I felt so prepared, confident, and comfortable going into the game…thank you thank you thank you so much for all you’ve done for me. It’s immensely valuable and I will be staying in touch….I played well and I don’t think I’ve ever felt so good about it.
"Not just with sports....this has carried through all aspects of her life"
"I cannot thank Georgia enough for what a positive impact she has had on my daughter. Over the past several months - I have witnessed my daughter become more confident in working through obstacles, advocating for herself, becoming self aware, and focusing on things she can control. Not just with sports....this has carried through all aspects of her life. Arming my daughter with these tools will be one of my greatest gifts I can give that will guide her through adulthood."
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Ready to elevate your game and mental strength?
Connect with Georgia Miller for personalized coaching sessions tailored to your unique needs. Whether you're looking to overcome mental blocks or enhance your performance, Georgia's expertise in sport psychology can guide you every step of the way.