From Sidelines to Self-Awareness: Our Story as Recovering Crazy Sports Parents

Running Ahrens

We weren’t bad sports parents—we just had some things to unlearn.

In this episode of Running Ahrens, Justin and Sarah reflect on the emotional rollercoaster of raising kids in competitive sports while navigating marriage, business, and personal growth. From intense sideline moments to cringey car rides home, they share real stories, missed layups, and what it’s taken to grow into more mindful, present parents.

Whether you’re parenting an athlete, leading a family business, or trying to balance love, leadership, and letting go—this episode is full of lessons, laughter, and life-changing perspective.

Takeaways:

• The game-winning layup Sarah missed (and what it taught her decades later)
• What it means to raise kids when you're still healing from your own unmet dreams
• Why we wish we had “cheered more and critiqued less”
• How to show up with love—whether they win, lose, or walk away from the sport

Things We’re Learning (and Unlearning):

• Your child’s sport is not your second chance—it’s their story
• Encouragement builds character; pressure can crush it
• The car ride home should be a safe space, not a second scoreboard
• Celebrate effort, not just outcomes
• Being loud doesn’t always mean being supportive
• Parenting, like sports, takes practice—and grace

Stats Worth Knowing:

• Over 60 million U.S. kids play organized sports—yet by age 13, 70% quit, with parental pressure as a leading reason (Aspen Institute Project Play)
• Kids pressured by parents are 3x more likely to burn out or stop playing entirely (TrueSport.org)
• Former athletes are nearly 2x as likely to push their kids to compete at a high level

🎥 Watch this short video that inspired part of the episode:
The Ride Home – TrueSport