Episode #241 What Your Kids Need Most (Especially from Dads)

Mindset Matters

🎙️ Podcast Script: "What Your Kids Need Most (Especially from Dads)" Hello everybody, you’re listening to the Mindset Matters podcast, I’m your host Riley Jensen and today we are talking about what your kids need the most, especially from Dad’s. With Father’s Day coming up, I’ve been thinking a lot about my favorite job in the world: being a dad. Not only is it my favorite—it’s the most rewarding, most challenging, and probably the most important thing I’ve ever done. Now, as a mental performance coach and someone who studies the psychology of sport for a living, I’ve seen firsthand how much of an impact a parent’s mindset can have on an athlete. So today, I want to share a few insights and practical things I’ve learned—not just from the field or the clinic, but from the front seat of my car driving my kids around. 1. Don’t Turn the Car Ride Into a Coffin Sometimes we’re so busy—school, practice, training, tournaments—that the car ride becomes just another chore. But I’d challenge you to see it as a gift. That car ride? It’s one-on-one time. And it won’t last forever. So instead of rushing through it, use it. 🎯 Ask questions like: “What’s something you’re proud of this week?” “What do you think you’ll be like when you're older?” “What’s your favorite thing about yourself?” Let curiosity lead. Compliment something small. Play their favorite song. Those little things build connection—and that’s what really sticks. 2. What Not to Do in the Car Here’s a few things I don’t recommend in the car ride—or ever, really: Don’t talk about how much money sports are costing. That’s an adult issue. Let them play free from guilt. Don’t make it all about success. Instead, talk about effort. Talk about preparation. Talk about courage. Don’t catastrophize. Avoid words like “always” or “never”—especially when describing your kid’s performance. Keep things in context. Don’t overvalue grades or stats. They matter—but they’re not everything. Some of your child’s most incredible qualities won’t show up on a stat sheet. 3. Don’t Belittle the Coach Whether you agree with their coach or not, your child needs to see the coach as the expert. If you tear the coach down, you force your kid into an unfair position: “Do I listen to my parent or my coach?” It’s not right. And it doesn’t help them grow. Support the process. Let the coach coach. Let the kid be a kid. 4. Teach the Power of Yet This one’s gold. When your child says, “I’m not fast enough,” “I can’t figure this out,” or “I’m just not good at this,” —add one word. “Yet.” “I’m not fast enough… yet.” “I haven’t figured it out… yet.” It rewires the brain. It opens up possibility. And it reminds them that greatness isn’t instant—it’s a constant work in progress. Think about it: Is there anything you’re great at now that didn’t take work?