Your kid had a bad game. Here's what to say.
What to say in the first 90 seconds when the game went badly. The script that protects the relationship and the rest of the week.
What they're feeling
- · Embarrassed.
- · Replaying mistakes in their head.
- · Wondering how you're going to react.
- · Tired and exposed.
What to say (pick one)
- "I'm glad I got to watch you play."
- "That looked like a tough one."
- "Want to grab something to eat?"
Then stop talking.
What not to say
- "Why didn't you..."
- "You should have..."
- "Coach should have..."
The rule
They already know what went wrong. They don't need you to confirm it.
If they bring it up
- · Listen first. Don't jump to solutions.
- · Reflect what they said before adding anything.
- · Ask one question. Maximum.
- · Then let them lead the conversation.
Save this
After a bad game
- · Lead with one specific moment they had agency in.
- · Skip the score. Skip the breakdown.
- · If they bring it up, listen first. One question max.
parentcoachplaybook.com/scripts
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