A young swimmer, with long braid sitting at the edge of a pool, taking a quiet moment before getting in the water.

Some stress is part of growing up. But when it keeps building, it can turn into something more. Here are the signs to watch for, including one parents often miss, and how to help your child feel supported.

A young baseball player and an adult standing close together on the filed, talking quietly.

A young athlete once told me. “I can compete with you, but I can’t compete with your tutor.” Kids notice more than we think about who has what. Here’s what they’re really telling you, and how to respond in a way that helps.

Most slumps pass. Some are a sign of something deeper. Here’s how to tell the difference, and when your athlete needs more than coaching.

Mental performance issues are about the mindset an athlete brings to their sport. Maybe they're struggling to focus during a game, they lack confidence in their abilities, or they're having trouble bouncing back from mistakes.

It's natural for kids to have ups and downs in their performance. But sometimes what looks like a slump in their game is actually connected to something more internal.