In today’s fast-paced world, it’s more important than ever to create a supportive environment for our young athletes.

Rob, a passionate advocate for mental wellness in sports, shares insights on fostering meaningful conversations between parents and their children in the sports arena.

Creating a Space for Open Conversations

Rob emphasizes the significance of providing a safe space for athletes to express their feelings. It’s not just about the victories or losses on the field; it’s about checking in emotionally. Here are some key points he discusses:

• Recognize the Signs: Often, we may not recognise a crisis until it’s too late. Rob shares his experience of not identifying issues at home and highlights the need for awareness among parents.
• Encourage Honest Discussions: Simple gestures, like a hand on the shoulder or a casual car ride, can open the door to genuine conversations. Parents should be there, not just physically, but emotionally for their kids, creating opportunities for dialogue about their experiences in sports and beyond.
• Be There in Times of Crisis: It’s crucial for parents to know when to seek professional help. Rob stresses the importance of having resources available for immediate support, such as school counselors or crisis hotlines.
• Build Resilience: Encouraging kids to express their emotions and providing them with coping strategies is essential. It’s all about allowing them to feel disappointed or upset, recognising these feelings as a normal part of life.

The Vision for Shoulder Check

Rob’s initiative, Shoulder Check, aims to create a culture of support within sports teams and communities. Here are some exciting developments:

• Community Engagement: The goal is to inspire people to adopt the Shoulder Check concept within their clubs, teams, and schools. It’s about recognising the value of checking in on one another.
• Recognition and Visibility: Shoulder Check is working on initiatives to ensure it becomes a visible part of sports culture, similar to how other health initiatives have gained recognition. This includes submitting a dedicated emoji for emotional check-ins!
• Educational Resources: The website, shouldercheck.org, provides resources for parents, coaches, and athletes, offering content that promotes mental wellness in sports.

By prioritizing mental wellness and encouraging open conversations, we can help our young athletes navigate the pressures of sports and life. Remember, a simple check-in can make all the difference.

Episode Highlights: 

[00:01:10] Rob joins the podcast to share his passion for fostering mental wellness in youth sports through his initiative, Shoulder Check.

[00:02:30] He discusses the importance of creating safe spaces for athletes to express their feelings and the role parents play in this process.

[00:04:50] Recognising the signs of distress: Rob emphasizes how parents can better identify when their children may be struggling emotionally.

[00:07:00] Practical strategies for encouraging open conversations during everyday moments, like car rides or casual chats.

[00:10:05] Rob highlights essential resources for parents to access in times of crisis, ensuring they know when to seek professional help.

[00:12:20] The significance of building resilience in young athletes through emotional expression and coping strategies.

[00:15:35] Rob shares exciting developments for the Shoulder Check initiative, including plans to promote its visibility in sports culture

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

Thank you in advance for joining us on our mission and leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.