The Parent Trap: 5 Common Mistakes Even the Most Supportive Parents Make

If you’re reading this, you care deeply about your child’s journey in sport. You want to see them thrive, succeed, and enjoy everything that sport has to offer - and that makes you exactly the kind of parent any young athlete is lucky to have.

But even the most supportive parents can fall into traps.

Not because they don’t care - but because no one ever hands you a playbook for this stuff. And the emotional rollercoaster of youth sport? It can bring out the best and the worst in all of us.

Here are 5 common parent traps - and what you can do instead to support your child’s mental fitness, confidence, and long-term love of the game.

1. Overpraising Results Instead of Effort

You’re proud. Of course you are. And when your child wins, nails a routine, or scores the winning goal, it’s natural to celebrate the outcome.

But when praise is only tied to results, kids learn that success = worthiness.

Over time, this can lead to:

• Fear of failure

• Avoidance of challenges

• Self-worth tied to performance

  
  

Try this instead: Praise effort, resilience, learning, and attitude - especially after a tough game. “I loved how you kept going even when it wasn’t going your way.”

2. The Car Ride Breakdown

Post-game analysis. We’ve all done it. But what feels like a helpful debrief to you can feel like a performance review to your child - especially if they’re already upset, disappointed, or tired.

Try this instead: Use the car ride for connection, not correction. Try asking: “Want to talk about the game now, or just chill for a bit?”

3. Pushing Too Hard (Without Realising It)

You see potential. You want them to fulfil it. But sometimes, your “encouragement” feels like pressure to them. If they’re pulling away, avoiding practice, or seem tense around sport, it may be a sign that they feel overwhelmed - even if they haven’t said it out loud.

Try this instead: Have open conversations about their why. “What do you love about your sport? What are your goals?” Let their answers guide how you show up.

4. Taking Their Sport Too Personally

If you find your own mood rising and falling with your child’s performance, you’re not alone - but it’s a sign that you may be too emotionally enmeshed. Children can sense this. And when they do, they start performing for you, not themselves.

Try this instead: Check in with your own emotional responses. Ask yourself: “Is this about them, or about me?”  Then take a breath, and respond from a place of calm.

5. Trying to Be the Coach

Even if you are a coach by profession - your child still needs a parent. When the lines get blurred, it can affect your relationship, increase their stress, and confuse roles.

Try this instead: Let the coach coach. Let yourself be the safe space. That’s where your real power lies.

You’re Doing Better Than You Think

We all fall into these traps at some point. I’ve been there too - even with the knowledge and experience I now teach. There’s no perfect parent. But there is a better way to support your child’s mental and emotional game.

When you focus on connection, mindset, and growth over outcomes, you become a real ally in their journey - not just through sport, but through life.

Need a Game Plan?

That’s what I’m here for.

If you’re ready to pressure-proof your athlete - and parent with more clarity and confidence - explore my parent support sessions or book a strategy call with me.

Together, we’ll turn these traps into tools.