After no playing time. What to say.
What to say when your kid barely played or sat the bench. The script that handles hurt feelings without making it worse.
What they're feeling
- · Invisible. Like the coach doesn't see them.
- · Embarrassed, especially if friends and family were watching.
- · Angry and not sure where to put it.
- · Wondering what they did wrong.
What to say (pick one)
- "That was a rough one to sit through. I know."
- "I'm proud of how you handled it on the bench."
- "Want to talk about it, or just go eat?"
Then stop talking.
What not to say
- "The coach has no idea what they're doing."
- "You should be starting over half those kids."
- "We're paying for this. You need to play."
The rule
Don't burn the coach in the car. You may not have the full picture, and your kid will repeat what you say.
If they bring it up
- · Ask how they feel before you ask what they think about the coach's decision.
- · If they want to talk to the coach, help them prepare. Don't do it for them.
- · Give it a game or two before escalating.
- · If it's a pattern, that's a different conversation.
Pin this
After no playing time
- · Let them feel it without adding fuel.
- · Keep the coach conversation separate from the feelings conversation.
- · Help them figure out what they can control next practice.
parentcoachdesk.com/scripts
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