Ever wondered how to stay calm and enjoy your child's hockey games without the stress? Join Lee MJ Elias, Mike Bonelli, and Christie Casciano Burns as they share invaluable insights on managing anxiety as a hockey parent. Through personal stories and practical advice, they explore the journey from being a nervous wreck to finding peace at the rink. Learn how to support your young athlete, understand the importance of letting kids learn from failure, and discover the power of unconditional love and praise. This episode is a must-listen for any parent navigating the highs and lows of youth hockey.

Key Discussion Points

- Lee shares a story about feeling calm while watching his daughter play hockey, contrasting it with his earlier anxious experiences.

- Christie compares the experience of being a new hockey parent to having a first child, emphasizing how experience reduces anxiety.

- Lee and Christie discuss the importance of letting kids learn from their experiences and failures.

- Mike talks about the emotional reactions parents have during their kids' sports events and the importance of reflection.

- Lee highlights the significance of recognizing that parents have little control over the game and should focus on supporting their children.

- Christie stresses the importance of unconditional love and support, rather than critiquing, after games.

- Mike mentions the need for parents to allow their children to become independent, even if it means watching them struggle initially.

- Lee discusses the long-term development of skills in hockey and the importance of patience.

- Christie and Lee talk about the value of not discussing the game in the car unless the child initiates the conversation.

- Mike and Lee reflect on the impact of social media on parents and children, emphasizing the need to focus on personal growth rather than comparisons.

0:00 Intro

0:08 Overcoming Anxiety as a Hockey Parent

3:07 The Evolution of Parenting in Youth Hockey

12:35 Notes from a Hockey Elder

14:06 Parenting Lessons from Hockey

16:18 The Impact of Parental Behavior on Young Athletes

18:51 The Challenges of Parenting in Youth Sports

20:35 Changing Parental Involvement in Youth Sports

28:31 The Long Game in Youth Hockey

38:43 Realization of Over-Involvement

47:00 The Importance of Development Over Winning

Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

We're powered by NHL Sense Arena!

NHL Sense Arena, is a virtual reality training game designed specifically to improve hockey sense and IQ for both players and goalies. Experience the next generation of off-ice training in VR with over 100+ drills and training plans curated from top coaches and players.

Use Code "HockeyNeverStops" at Hockey.SenseArena.com to score $50 off an annual plan!

Have A Topic You Want Us To Cover? Let us know!

Please Be Sure To Subscribe & Leave A Review For Us On Apple Podcasts, doing so helps our show grow!

Follow Us On Social Media:

• Facebook Group
• X
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube