The Hidden Stress of Being a Hockey Parent

💭 Feeling the weight of being a hockey parent? You’re not alone. In this heartfelt and honest episode, Lee Elias, Christie Casciano-Burns, and Mike Bonelli open up about the mental and emotional load that comes with youth hockey — the long weekends, the money, the pressure, and the expectations we quietly carry.🔥 In this conversation:Why so many parents tie their own worth to their kids’ performance 🧠The guilt, stress, and second-guessing that come after every gameHow money, time, and competition fuel anxiety for hockey familiesWhy behavior—not outcomes—should be your real “win” metricWhat emotional resilience really looks like at home and at the rinkWhy “family first” isn’t just a saying — it’s a sanity saver ❤️✨ Key moments include:Christie’s powerful reminder that “youth hockey is the good old days.”Lee’s story of skipping practice to prioritize family — and why it mattered more.Mike’s candid reflections on managing expectations as both coach and parent.At the end of the day, this episode is a deep breath for every parent who’s ever thought, “Am I doing enough?” Spoiler: You are.📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: The Mental Load of Being a Hockey Parent: Managing Pressure, Guilt & Joy🎧 Listen, laugh, and remember — you’re not crazy, the hockey world is.#OurKidsPlayHockey #HockeyParenting #YouthHockey #SportsParenting #MentalHealthInSports #ParentPerspective #ChristieCascianoBurns #LeeElias #MikeBonelli #HockeyLife #FamilyFirst #YouthSportsBalanceClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Keep your player sharp this summer with NHL Sense Arena. Save $25 on an annual plan with code OKPH at hockey.SenseArena.com/okphHave A Topic You Want Us To Cover? Let us know!Please Be Sure To Subscribe & Leave A Review For Us On Apple Podcasts, doing so helps our show grow!Follow Us On Social Media:Facebook GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube