Helping your son/daughter achieve their football dream is a marathon, not a sprint.
Practicing self-care will help you avoid the risk of ‘parental burn-out’ and enhance your ability to support your son/daughter on their football journey.
What is Self-Care:
Self-care is the deliberate, ongoing practice of taking actions to maintain and enhance your physical, mental and emotional health.
It involves managing daily stress, preventing illness, and meeting your own needs to improve overall well-being.
It is not selfish, but necessary for sustaining energy and health.
Why Self-Care is Essential
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Preventing Burnout:
If you are exhausted, frustrated, or anxious, it can inadvertently pressure your son/daughter. Maintaining your own well-being prevents you from projecting your stress onto your son/daughter -
Modelling Healthy Habits:
Your son/daughter watches how you handle pressure. By prioritizing your own mental and physical health, you demonstrate that a balanced life is a key component of long-term success -
Maintaining Perspective:
When you are burned out, it is easy to become “obsessed” with your son’s/daughter’s football development. Self-care helps you step back, keep sport in perspective, and ensure your identity remains distinct from your son’s/daughter’s football performance -
Emotional Regulation:
A calm parent is the best support system. Practicing self-care improves your ability to provide steady, positive reinforcement rather than reactive or critical feedback after a game or practice
How Parents Can Practice Self-Care
Protect Your “Non-Football” Time
- Scheduled Breaks:
Ensure you have hobbies or social circles that have nothing to do with football. Whether it is reading, working out, or meeting friends, keep parts of your life separate from the pitch -
The “No-Sports” Rule:
Establish times (e.g. Sunday evenings or car rides home) where sports talk is strictly prohibited. Focus on the child as a person, not a footballer
Prioritise Physical Health
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Nutrition and Sleep:
Prioritising your meal preparation and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule will provide the energy needed for the hectic lifestyle -
Active Recovery:
If you are spending hours weekly at Coplicks, use that time for your own benefit, walk the perimeter for exercise or listen to a podcast you enjoy instead of fixating on the training session
Mindset Shifts
- Embrace the “Spectator” Role:
Remind yourself that your role is to provide love and transport, not to coach. Letting go of the “coach” mindset reduces significant mental load -
Seek Support:
Surround yourself with people who prioritize players growth and personal well-being
Go Well,
Dr. Jeff Kemp OAM
Board Director Gold Coast United FC
