A player can lose the game and still compete well. A player can score and still avoid hard areas. Look deeper than the scoreboard. Parent side quest: Praise one compete moment this week.

The ride to the rink matters. Too much instruction can overload the athlete before they compete. Try keeping it simple: “I love watching you play. Compete hard. Have fun. Reset when needed.” Parent side quest: Keep the next pre-game conversation calm and simple.

Telling an athlete “be confident” is not always enough. A better question is: “What action would help you feel more prepared?” Confidence usually comes from preparation. Parent side quest:Help your athlete identify one small action they can control today.

After practice or games, try not to lead with: “How did you play?” Try this instead: “What did you learn today?” This keeps the athlete from feeling judged right away and helps them reflect. Parent side quest: Ask your athlete one reflection question tonight and just listen.

This week’s parent focus is: Connection before correction. After your athlete plays, practices, or has a tough moment, try asking: Do you want to talk about it now, or later? This gives the athlete space and lowers pressure. Then ask: What did you feel good about?What did you learn?How can I support you this week? The goal is not to ignore development. The goal is to create a better doorway into the conversation.