Being a parent to a young athlete isn’t just about getting them to practices or cheering from the sidelines.

It’s about something deeper: how we use our time, our words, and our attention to truly connect and support our kids. Intentional parenting means making purposeful choices every day to build strong relationships that go beyond performance and trophies.

In today’s busy world, where schedules are packed and distractions are everywhere, how do we make sure our kids feel seen and valued? How do we balance the demands of sports, school, and life without losing the connection that matters most?

Crystal Obey, a homeschooling mom and life coach, shares her insights on what it really means to parent intentionally: how to create meaningful moments, manage distractions, and nurture your child’s growth both on and off the field. This isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence.

Meet Crystal Obey: Life Coach, Mom, and Intentional Parent

Crystal lives in Dallas, Texas, and has been homeschooling her five children for 13 years alongside her husband, Anthony. Together, they run a business helping other parents live intentionally with their kids through coaching and resources like their free homeschool summit.

Crystal shared how she and Anthony met in college and dreamed of a life filled with family and business. They wanted five kids and to work together, and over 25 years, they’ve built that life.

Their slogan perfectly sums up their mission: “Equipping intentional parents, educating exceptional children.” This philosophy is at the heart of everything Crystal does, and it’s exactly what we want for our kids, especially those balancing academics and athletics.

Being Intentional with Time: The Most Valuable Resource

Time is often the biggest challenge for parents, especially those with busy schedules or multiple kids. Crystal’s approach is rooted in her love language: quality time. She and her husband chose homeschooling because they wanted to spend a lot of time together as a family.

But it’s not just about quantity; it’s about purposeful, high-quality time. Crystal encourages parents to be mindful of how they spend their time with their kids, even if that time is limited. It’s essential to have moments where you’re truly present; looking your child in the eye, free from distractions.

She pointed out that the years when kids are under 12 are when parents spend the most time with them. After that, as kids become teenagers and get involved in sports and other activities, time together often shifts to supporting them at practices and games.

While attending games is important, Crystal emphasized the need for one-on-one relationship building separate from performance. This kind of connection helps maintain a strong bond as kids grow into adulthood.

For Parents of Teen Athletes: Finding Intentional Moments

Many of our listeners have kids in middle or high school, juggling multiple sports and year-round commitments. Crystal knows firsthand how challenging it is to find quality time when schedules are so packed.

She compares it to marriage: just because you’re physically present doesn’t mean you’re emotionally connected. Parents might spend hours driving kids to practices or sitting at games, but the child might still feel a lack of deep connection.

The key? Know your child’s love language and personality. Some kids feel loved just by having their parents at their games. Others need quiet time and meaningful conversations away from the hustle of performance.

Intentional parenting means listening carefully and balancing both kinds of time, supporting their athletic goals while also nurturing the relationship.

Using Car Time as Quality Time

One practical tip Crystal shared is to use the time spent driving to practices and games as an opportunity for connection. Many athletic families spend a lot of time in the car, especially in cities like Dallas where travel distances can be long.

Some homeschooling families even practice “road schooling,” where they use travel time for educational activities with their kids. For busy athletic families, the car ride can be a chance to chat, catch up, or even do schoolwork, freeing up evenings and weekends for family time.

Crystal mentioned that in her program, parents often say they use car rides to connect or get work done with their kids, turning what might feel like lost time into something meaningful.

The Transition When Kids Start Driving

A common sentiment among parents is the bittersweet feeling when kids start driving themselves. Crystal shared a story about her neighbor whose kids are all driving now, so she no longer has to chauffeur them. While it’s a sign of growing independence, it can also feel like losing a special time to connect.

This makes it even more important to be intentional with whatever time you do have, whether it’s car rides, meals, or quiet moments at home.

Managing Distractions: Being Present with Your Kids

Another challenge Crystal addressed is the distraction of phones and screens. She admitted that sometimes she finds herself checking emails or messages even when her kids are around. This is a common struggle for many parents.

Her advice is simple but powerful: put the phone away. She models this behavior for her kids by setting clear boundaries; no phones at the table, turning off notifications, and having designated work times when the kids know she’s busy.

Crystal reminded us that kids see the phone as a barrier to connection. Even if you’re working on your phone, they might just see you as distracted or unavailable. So, being mindful of your phone use is a way to show your kids they have your full attention when you’re together.

Setting Boundaries with Technology

Crystal and her husband treat phones as tools, not toys. They don’t spend extra time on their phones beyond what’s necessary for work or communication. This sets a healthy example for their kids.

She also keeps her phone on silent and disables notifications to avoid constant interruptions. This helps her stay focused on her family when she’s with them and be more productive when she does need to work.

Final Thoughts on Intentional Parenting

Intentional parenting is about more than just managing schedules or attending events. It’s about being purposeful with your time, your attention, and your resources to build strong, lasting relationships with your kids.

Whether you’re homeschooling, raising athletes, or just trying to juggle the demands of modern family life, Crystal’s insights remind us that the quality of time matters more than quantity alone.

By knowing your child’s unique needs, using everyday moments wisely, and setting boundaries with distractions, you can create a family environment where your kids feel truly seen, supported, and loved.

Thank you for joining us for this conversation with Crystal Obey. If you’re interested in learning more about her work, she and her husband host a free homeschool summit every year, offering resources and support for intentional parenting and education.

Remember, intentional parenting is a journey; one that requires patience, presence, and love. Here’s to raising confident, mentally strong athletes and exceptional children, one intentional moment at a time.

Episode Highlights: 

[00:00:47] Meet Crystal Obie, executive life coach, co-founder of Life in Launches, and homeschooling mom of five, who shares her tips on intentional parenting.

[00:01:30] Discover how Crystal balances homeschooling, parenting, and running a business with her husband.

[00:03:35] Learn about Crystal’s philosophy of equipping intentional parents to educate exceptional children.

[00:04:00] Tips on being intentional with your time and making every moment count with your kids.

[00:05:45] How parents of athletes can stay intentional amidst hectic sports schedules.

[00:09:15] Practical advice on turning drive time into quality time with your child.

[00:10:45] Managing screen time: Crystal’s strategies for modelling healthy phone use.

[00:14:00] How to help your kids be intentional about the content they consume online.

[25:00] Quick exercises to enhance focus and confidence.

Next Steps:

• Join our FREE Training for Sports Moms – How to Strengthen Your Athlete Daughter’s Mental Game so She Believes in Herself as Much as You Do
• Visit our podcast website for more great episodes

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