10/21/2026
To the parents cheering from the sidelines, sitting through late practices, and driving home after tough losses: this one's for you.
Your child might not remember the final score of every game. But they'll remember how you made them feel afterward.
They'll remember whether the car ride home was filled with encouragement or criticism. Whether you asked if they had fun before asking why they missed that shot. Whether they felt just as loved after a loss as they did after a win.
As parents, it's easy to get caught up in wanting the best for your kids. You see their potential, you know how hard they work, and you want to see them succeed.
But sometimes, the most important thing you can do has nothing to do with their performance. It's reminding them that their worth will never be determined by a scoreboard.
Supporting young athletes means supporting their mental health, too. And parents play an important role in making that happen.
Looking for ways to better support your child's mental well-being? Explore the resources available on our website: https://ericmondayfoundation.org/mental-health-resources/parents/