In this episode--the third in a series about playing time--we get blunt and right to the truth about the fact that parents struggle to stay neutral. Confirmation bias creeps in and rescuing becomes a habit. What follows is pressure and tension in every conversation or or coach bashing ensues. You love them so much and your intentions are pure, but why is this not working? Much of it is the proximity of you to them and the emotions swirling around in this relationship.

So we give you a better play: protect the sacred parent-teen relationship with “relationship insurance.” Learn how to communicate without escalating and how to support emotionally without performing as their designated sport coach.

As well as understanding that a neutral, outside voice is the smartest move you can make for your teen’s develop ...