When Your Daughter Isn’t Getting Playing Time: How to Help Her Speak Up with Confidence

Let’s be real. Few things stir up emotions faster than playing time.

If you’re a parent of a middle school or high school athlete, you know that thinking about college can feel overwhelming. There’s the recruitment process, the applications, the scholarships, and the nagging question: how do we make this happen without drowning in debt?

If you’re reading this, I already know something about you: You deeply care about your daughter; not just how she performs in her sport, but how she feels about herself while she’s doing it.

We’ve all been there: watching our daughter walk off the field or court after a tough game.

Let’s be honest: sometimes the hardest part of youth sports isn’t the games, the practices, or even the tough losses. It’s the sideline drama.

As parents and coaches, we want our girl athletes to be strong, confident, and resilient, not just in their sport, but in life. And one of the most powerful ways to build that confidence? Teaching them how to fuel their bodies intentionally while developing essential life skills in the kitchen.

If you’re a sports mom and your daughter is suddenly freezing up during practice or competition – even though she’s done the skill a hundred times before – you’re not alone. It can be confusing and frustrating to watch. You may think, “She used to do this with no problem! Why won’t she just do it now?”

Have you ever felt like you’re all in when it comes to supporting your daughter’s sports journey, but your partner just doesn’t see the value in mental training? Maybe they don’t fully understand why it’s important for your daughter’s success, not just in her sport, but in life. If you’ve found yourself stuck in this situation, you’re not alone. In fact, you’re in the right place!