"Parenting is often 'undisciplined squads of emotion' - a conversation with Richard Shorter

In today's episode, I'm thrilled to welcome back Richard Shorter, also known as 'Non-Perfect Dad', for a deep-dive conversation that every sports parent needs to hear. Rich brings his unique perspective as both a Baptist minister and a "conversation architect" who works with sports organisations, schools, and families to navigate the complex world of sports parenting.

We explore the challenging emotional landscape parents face when supporting young athletes - from managing our own reactions on the sidelines to making tough decisions about how much to push or protect. I share some personal stories about parenting my own kids in sport, and Rich offers brilliant insights about what he calls the "undisciplined squads of emotion" that we all face as sports parents.

Key Timestamps: 

🎯14:20 - "Parents are still allowed to choose how they parent within an ethical safeguarding framework" - Rich challenges some common assumptions about sports parenting

🏆 27:45 - "I made a parenting choice that I didn't want to mortgage my future relationship with my kids" - I share my personal philosophy on youth sport development and the choices we make as parents

⚡ 32:15 - We tackle the complex reality of balancing performance aspirations with maintaining healthy parent-child relationships Whether you're a parent, coach, or working in youth sport, this conversation offers practical insights and honest reflections on how we can better support young athletes while preserving what matters most - our relationships with them.

Connect with Richard: Email: [e-mail] Website: nonperfectdad.co.uk

If you would like to have more conversations like these then you might want to join my leanring group - 'The Guild of Ecological Explorers' - https://www.patreon.com/join/thetalentequation

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