Conversations with Kids
For parents and guardians where we give you prompts so that you can have more meaningful conversations with your children to help them build key characteristics such as mental toughness, resilience, confidence, creativity, focus and so on.
A Question for your Kids
What do you do when things don’t go your way in sport?
Do you rush straight into the next moment, feeling frustrated or upset? Or do you take a few seconds to breathe, reset, and think about what you want to do next?
In a recent podcast episode with cricket coach Stuart Barnes, we explored how top athletes use a simple 3-second reset to manage pressure, focus their minds, and perform with confidence. It’s a great technique for any youngster whatever their sport.
The 3-second reset is all about creating space before reacting. When kids pause for a few seconds, they can think clearly instead of acting on emotion.
Improves:
- Confidence
- Focus
Directions for Parents
You can help your child practice this skill by talking about it when things are calm at home (Not straight after training or competitive events). Ask gentle, open-ended questions like:
- “What could you do next time to help yourself calm down quickly?”
- “How might taking a short pause help you think clearly?”
- “What are you really in control of in that moment?”
Ideas for Kids
Next time you feel frustrated in sport:
- Take a slow, deep breath.
- Count “one… two… three…” in your head.
3. Ask yourself: “What’s my plan now?”
You’ll feel calmer and more in control and that’s when you’ll play your best.
Helpful Resources
If you would like to share your experiences as a sports parent or get insights regarding kids sport psychology, you may also wish to join David in The Sport Psychology Hub.
Best Wishes
David Charlton
Online Sports Psychologist for Kids who supports many youngsters and sports parents so that they have more fun and get the most from their talent across the globe from USA/Canada to Great Britain and Ireland to UAE, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, using ONLINE Video Conferencing.
Managing Director – Inspiring Sporting Excellence
Host of Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast
Founder of The Sports Psychology Hub
Author of Conversations for Kids
With over a decades’ experience supporting athletes, coaches, parents and teams to transfer their skills from training to competitive situations, under pressure.
