After an injury. What to say.
What to say right after your kid gets injured. The script that handles fear, disappointment, and the long road back.
What they're feeling
- · Scared about what comes next.
- · Angry that this happened now.
- · Worried about the team and their spot on it.
- · Looking to you to tell them it's going to be okay.
What to say (pick one)
- "We're going to figure this out together."
- "Your only job right now is to let your body heal."
- "Your teammates are going to miss you, and you'll be back."
Then stop talking.
What not to say
- "When do you think you can play again?"
- "The coach is going to need you for regionals."
- "You should have stretched better."
The rule
The return timeline is not the first conversation. The first conversation is about them, not the sport.
If they bring it up
- · Let them grieve the missed time before you plan the comeback.
- · If they ask about their spot on the team, be honest but keep the focus on recovery.
- · Get them connected to the team in whatever way their injury allows.
- · Watch for signs that the emotional weight is bigger than the physical injury.
Pin this
After an injury
- · Presence first. Timelines later.
- · Don't turn rehab into a performance.
- · Keep them connected to the team, not isolated from it.
parentcoachdesk.com/scripts
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