Confidence Cards Showing up on the drive home
The post-game ride is one of the few uninterrupted moments families share—and how you handle it can build or bruise your teen’s confidence. Working in collaboration with Richard Keegan, a parent and Professor of Sport Psychology, we’ve developed a series of downloadable cards to help you use your voice to encourage, not pressure.
How to approach the ride home conversation
You don’t need the perfect words after every game. What matters is that your teen feels seen, heard, and safe—especially in those raw post-game moments. The ride home is a chance to show support, listen, and help them feel confident and connected.
Signs they’re on the path to dropping out
Teens rarely say, “I’m thinking of quitting,” but their behaviour often reveals it. As they enter high school, sport can feel more exclusive, performance-driven, and draining, especially for those who don’t feel like “the best.”
Spotting the signs lets you support them and rebuild confidence. If needed, switching sports or clubs can do more good than staying in the wrong environment.
Support begins with you
When given the space and time to think clearly, most parents would agree that sport offers their kids a range of benefits, from physical fitness and skills to confidence, problem-solving skills, and lifelong friendships. So keep your ‘why’ in mind: what are you hoping your teen gains from their involvement… and how can you support them in that?
“It’s always motivating to hear their positive reinforcement and to feel like they believe in me, no matter what the game outcome is.”
*Source: Teen athlete, Pure Profile Survey 2025