🎙️ Parenting Talent | Supporting Champions Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Steve Ingham welcomes Valeria Eckardt to explore the vital yet complex role of parents in youth sports. Parents are more than just supporters—they shape a child's sporting experience as role models, interpreters, and motivators. But where’s the line between support and pressure? How can parents communicate effectively with young athletes?

Valeria shares insights into emotional intelligence in sports parenting, the impact of social media on young athletes, and the evolving role of parents as children progress through their sporting journey. From early skill development to elite competition, this discussion highlights the challenges parents face and the strategies they can use to foster a healthy, supportive, and balanced sporting environment for their children

🔍 Key Takeaways: ✅ Parents play a crucial role in shaping a child's sports experience. ✅ The balance between support and pressure is complex and individualized. ✅ Emotional intelligence and adaptability are key to positive parental involvement. ✅ Communication between parents, coaches, and children is essential for reducing stress. ✅ Social media creates additional challenges and expectations for young athletes.

📌 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Parenting in Sport 01:09 The Role of Parents in Sports 06:29 Understanding Parental Involvement 11:14 The Balance of Support and Pressure 18:16 Navigating Support and Pressure 22:06 Effective Communication Strategies 30:17 The Complexity of Sports Parenting 31:08 Navigating Parental Involvement in Sports 39:24 The Impact of Social Media on Young Athletes 43:43 Supporting Parents in Competitive Sports 51:52 Evolving Parental Roles Through a Child’s Sports Journey

🔍 Find more on Valeria’s work: linktr.ee/valeria.eckardt

Instagram: @eckardt_psychologie

Bluesky: @valeriaeckardt.bsky.social

Linkedin: @valeria-eckardt

Additional resources on parenting in sports:

SportParent EU: http://www.sportparent.eu/en/

Handbook for parents in youth football academies (German Football Association & German Soccer League): https://media.dfl.de/sites/2/2024/01/DFL_Info_Elternbroschuere_EN.pdf (English language!)

Sport Parent Guide (Utah State University): https://youthsportsparenteducation.usu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Youth-Sport-Parent-Guide-v2.pdf

Sport Parents Guide (Canadian Sport for Life): https://sportforlife.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/A-Sport-Parents-Guide.pdf

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