The Sports Parenting Podcast

One of the best ways to help kids enjoy sports and continue improving is to put them in an environment that matches their current ability. In this episode, we discuss why finding the appropriate skill level matters, how it impacts confidence and development, and why the right challenge—not too easy and not too difficult—helps kids get the most out of their sports experience. ... For online programs, books and more, visit: https://www.charliespaniard.com.

Middle school is a prime time for kids to start taking more ownership of their development and goals, especially during the summer months. In this episode, we talk about why summer can be such an important opportunity for growth, confidence and preparation, and how introducing simple workouts and healthy habits early can help set kids up for long-term success in sports and life. ... For online programs, books and more, visit: https://www.charliespaniard.com.

Kids, sports and emotions can be an explosive mix, but it's not hopeless. During a recent youth baseball game, I found myself repeating a message I've talked about before with athletes. The more I coach, the more I think this idea will become a foundational part of how I teach kids to handle pressure, frustration and emotion. In this episode, I share my real-time evolution of thought on teaching emotional regulation through sports. ... For online programs, books and more, visit: https://www.charliespaniard.com.

Is your communication with your child's coach accurate and effective? Are you bringing frustration into the conversation, or are you clear-headed? Are you speaking from emotion, or from understanding? As a coach and a parent, I know how complex these relationships can be, especially in sports. We all want what's best for our kids, but how we approach coaches matters. In this episode, we talk about communicating calmly, objectively and from a good place, even when you don't agree. ... For online programs, books and more, visit: https://www.charliespaniard.com.

As a parent, you know that your kids are different. What works for one might not work for the other. As a coach, it's the same. Never forget that every kid is different, and how you approach them could determine how far they go...in sports and life. This show is a reminder to meet each kid where they are at. ... For online programs, books and more, visit: https://www.charliespaniard.com.

One day, your kids will grow up and talk about you. "My mom was always…" "My dad never…" "My parents…" In this episode, we challenge ourselves to think about how we're showing up, and whether we're living in a way we'd be proud to hear them talk about years from now. ... For online programs, books and more, visit: https://www.charliespaniard.com.

For the past five years, I've been back in youth sports after more than a decade away from coaching. I left to pursue the UFC, and coaching, especially at the youth level, was no longer part of my world. Coming back, a lot had changed. In this episode, I share what I've re-learned, what's been reinforced and what I believe actually matters in youth sports. My intnent is to give you context to work with while making your own decisions as a sports parent. For online programs, books and more, visit: https://www.charliespaniard.com.

Our youth wrestling season wrapped up this past weekend at the state tournament. In today's episode, we share highlights from the weekend and a few takeaways to consider as you navigate your own sports journey. ... For online programs, books and more, visit: https://www.charliespaniard.com.

I recently took my son out of a wrestling tournament, and it had nothing to do with illness or injury. It had everything to do with his attitude and behavior. Here is the story... For online programs, books and more, visit: https://www.charliespaniard.com.

Having recently watched our high school state wrestling tournament, I was reminded of the power we have in how we respond to events. In sports and in life, outcomes don't define us, our responses do. For athletes and parents, learning to absorb the pain of defeat and manage the emotions of victory isn't easy. In this episode, I share insights and practical ideas to help you guide your athlete through both wins and losses while keeping a level head and focusing on what really matters. For online programs, books and more, visit: https://www.charliespaniard.com

"If you didn't start last year, you're too late." "If you haven't zeroed in on your kid's future by age eight, you're already behind." The Joneses seem to be operating at a whole different level when it comes to youth sports. If you haven't caught the sarcasm, it's there. While I don't demonize early specialization, I don't recommend or encourage it for the masses either. In this episode, I lay out a practical framework to help you decide what's best for your child and your family when it comes to specializing in sports. For online programs, books and more, visit: https://www.charliespaniard.com.

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.  ... *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.

Being a parent is hard enough, and when you add in sports, you have a whole new dynamic.  Sports parenting is not for faint of heart, but it's not a hopeless pursuit. This podcast will help you navigate the ups and downs of sports while helping to create the best possible relationship between you and your athlete(s). I've been in it as an athlete, a coach and now as a parent, and I created this podcast because I believe there is a need for it. I don't have all the answers, but I promise I'm as determined as anyone to figure them out and share them with you. Enjoy this kickoff episode. For online programs, books and more, visit: https://www.charliespaniard.com.