As parents, we know you want the best for your baseball or softball-loving kid. Navigating youth sports can be tough, especially when you’re trying to find the right team fit or balancing the time and cost commitments. But regardless of your child’s age or skill level, remember this: this is their experience, and your decisions and behavior directly impact it.

My philosophy, for parents, players, and coaches alike, is to always check in with yourself and ensure you’re adding value. For you, as a parent, your greatest value comes from showing up, encouraging your player, and making them feel supported.

Sometimes, less is truly more from parents. It’s hard, I know, but I’ve seen firsthand how constant “on the gas” parenting can negatively impact a child’s experience without you even realizing it. During games, try to avoid giving advice or corrections. This can overwhelm players, so it’s best to step back and let the coaches handle in-game adjustments. Make a conscious effort to ensure your cheering fuels a positive mindset.

If your player has a tough game, test the waters on the way home to see if they want to talk. If not, give them space. Baseball is tough, losing sucks, and no one enjoys a bad game, but these are young players need to learn to navigate. Some will want to talk, others will need time.

The bottom line is to support your player to the best of your ability. Always ask yourself, “Are my actions fueling a positive experience for my player and their team?” We’ll dive into common challenges like bad coaches, “daddy ball,” and poor team performance in future blogs, offering my advice on navigating the world of raising a baseball player.

Thanks for being here with us. Let’s Flow!