Volume 26, Issue 3 | September 15, 2026

Parents as Partners

The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that parents are the first and primary educators of their child (CCC 2223). We are called to provide a good example while teaching them virtue and helping them to grow in mind, body and soul. Just as we work in tandem with teachers in the academic setting, so too parents are called to partner with coaches in the athletic arena. Both coaches and parents play a pivotal role in the development of young athletes and providing them with a great experience in sports.

In the video above, Play Like a Champion's Kristin Sheehan offers insight into the role of sports parents and tips for how to partner with coaches. Parents are called to support the development of their own athlete and others on the team through encouragement and by expressing gratitude for the coach's work. Both coaches and parents need to communicate clearly and respectfully, prioritizing the needs of all children on the team.

As we move further into fall seasons or prepare for winter sports, let's consider how we as parents can be great partners to those who coach our kids. What's one area where we can improve? Is there a way we can demonstrate our gratitude or support to coaches? Take a moment to think and then commit to one concrete way that we can be better partners in the season ahead.

What Youth Sports Gives to Parents

If you've been to our Parent Like a Champion Workshop, you've likely heard us say that youth sports are now a $40 billion industry. Our children's games are now big business, a reality that has shaped the current culture and placed an incredible amount of pressure on parents to invest time and money into what was once achieved by simply sending the kids outside to play or registering for with the local parks and recreation department. A growing body of research and media coverage have pointed to the issues with our modern approach, emphasizing the stress placed on families and the dangers to children of trends like early specialization or the professionalization of youth sports - not to mention the growing issues with access to sport in low-income communities. The majority of parents are likely reading this and nodding in agreement. So why does everyone keep going down this path?

A recent article provides one of the more thoughtful approaches to this paradox that we've seen. While recognizing the problems inherent in our modern approach, Steve Magness explains how rational parents are solving real problems by choosing to invest significant time and money into youth sports. He explains that it's not just the benefits that sports provide to children, but also the benefits to parents that are at play. A best-selling author, high-level coach and former elite athlete himself, Magness also offers insight into how we can meet the needs of children and parents without driving ourselves crazy. As with much of his work, this article is worthy of your time and consideration this week.

A Prayer for Parents

God, I thank you for the wonderful blessing it is to watch my children play sports. Thank you for the smile that it brings to their face and for the ways in which sports help them to grow in virtue and skill. I ask that as they participate you protect them from injury and harm and bless them with the grace to reach their full potential. Bless their coaches that they may embrace their role and have the courage to always do what is right for the children you have entrusted to their care. Grant all sports parents the graces we need to be supportive and to have perspective. May we seek not our own will for our child, but yours, and in doing so be freed to let them enjoy this experience no matter the result. May each of us - child, coach and parent - glorify you through our actions and come to know you better through this experience. I ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.