Coaching from the Sidelines: The one GRAVE mistake parents make with their athletes

If you're a parent of a girl who is an athlete—whether she's a gymnast, dancer, cheerleader, swimmer, basketball player, or any other sport—this podcast episode is for you. This week Maria talks about her work with female athletes and the deep correlation she noticed between a girl's self-esteem and her mother's influence. She emphasize that daughters often reflect areas where their mothers need to work on themselves. The pivotal moment came during a photography session with a talented 17-year-old dancer. The girl's mother made a critical comment about her thighs, triggering Maria’s own insecurities and memories. Maria shares personal experiences with their own daughters and their journey in sports, particularly swimming. She emphasize the importance of parents not coaching their kids from the sidelines and instead creating a safe space for their children to decompress and process their experiences. Asking open-ended questions like "Did you have fun today?" or "How did you feel today?" can foster better communication and trust between parents and their athlete daughters. Ultimately, Maria encourages parents to trust their children's coaches and focus on building a supportive and open relationship with their daughters, allowing them to navigate their own challenges and develop self-advocacy skills.