Patrick Cohn

Get Live Sports Parent Coaching From Us

Youth Sports Psychology

Sports Parents Mental Coaching Jennifer sought our help with some tough challenges about her son, who just started playing tackle football: “He lacks confidence because he’s the smallest on the team. He doesn’t respond appropriately to criticism. His confidence sinks when he feels as if he’s not playing “perfectly.” We … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Don’t Believe Sports Kids Are Bullied Too? Learn About CNN Poll

Youth Sports Psychology

The Bullying Epidemic in Youth Sports Last week, CNN released a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll showing that slightly more than a third of teens personally have been subjected to bullying behavior. In the poll, more than two-thirds of teens said their friends had been bullied. Yet most adults believe bullying … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Help Sports Kids Set Goals Without Expectations

Youth Sports Psychology

Setting Effective Goals in Youth Sports How do you help sports kids set goals that don’t create high expectations? Wait a minute, you may ask. The whole process of setting goals creates expectations! Read on to understand the critical difference between setting goals and creating high expectations in youth sports. … Read Sport Psychology Tip

The Frustration and Heartache of Parenting a Sports Perfectionist

Youth Sports Psychology

Dealing With Perfectionism in Sports Kids Just how frustrating is it for parents when a child isn’t having fun in sports because he’s a perfectionist? A reader tells us: “Practically all of the emails I have received from you (about perfectionism) could have been written about my son….” “He is … Read Sport Psychology Tip

How Negative Labels Hurt Young Athletes

How Choking Hurts Athletes’ Performance 

Negative Self-Lables in Youth Sports When sports kids start calling themselves “losers,” “chokers,” “wimps” or other negative names, it’s a bad sign. Young athletes who label themselves with these negative terms are hurting their confidence. They’ve got a little voice in their head that’s constantly putting them down. And, as … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Helping Kids Stay Confident in the Face of Adversity

Youth Sports Psychology

Sports Parents: Dealing With Bullied Kids A fuming sports mom recently asked us what to do to help her daughter, a talented athlete who was passed up for a slot on the Varsity Team and is now being bullied by the girls who made the team. “I have noticed my … Read Sport Psychology Tip