Why this course matters

• Understanding your child's
  performance mind as a key to better support and connection.
• How parents play a pivotal role
  in shaping a mentally healthy sports environment.

Course Objectives

• Equip parents with foundational
  knowledge of the performance mind.
• Teach practical strategies to
  support their youth athlete.
• Create a roadmap for fostering
  resilience, focus, and confidence.

Why the brain reacts the way it
does

• Introduction to survival
  instincts and the brain’s evolutionary wiring.
• The "pack animal"
  mentality: Safety and social standing in the group.

What happens during competition

• Role of the amygdala (“The
  Gorilla”) in triggering fear, anxiety, and stress.
• Role of the prefrontal cortex
  (“The Human”) in decision-making, focus, and emotional regulation.

How to manage survival-driven
reactions

• Tools to calm “The Gorilla” and
  empower “The Human.”

Why: Understanding the
neuropsychological components.

• The Cognitive Triangle:
  Thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in performance.
• The brain’s negativity bias and
  its impact on confidence and self-esteem.

What: Key skills to teach and model.

• Emotional regulation and staying
  present.
• Core values as an anchor for
  decision-making and managing perspective.

How: Daily practices and habits.

• Mindfulness Meditation (Mindset
  Workouts), Best-Self Visualization, Gratitude exercises to counter
  negativity bias.
• Small, sustainable habits that
  grow over time.
• Habit stacking for long-term
  behavior change.

Why this is critical

• Clarity on process-focused
  performance versus outcome-based goals.

What it means to "Be Your
Best-Self"

• Identifying what your child
  looks, sounds, and feels like when at their best.
• Connecting it to the importance
  of staying in the present moment.

How to develop a
"Best-Self" visualization

• Guided visualization techniques
  for parents to share with their youth athletes.
• Process-focused statements and
  imagery.

• Why language shapes confidence
  and focus
• The impact of parental feedback
  on self-perception.
• What to emphasize in
  conversations
• Reinforcing the 3 Core
  Principles of Mental Strength:

1. Play Present: Focus on the now.
2. Control the Controllable: Process over outcome.
3. Detach from The Judgments: Detaching our attention from
   self-criticism, others’ opinions, and comparisons.

• How to craft empowering messages
• Examples of supportive vs.
  counterproductive language.
• Role-playing scenarios for
  real-world application.

• Why core values matter
• Providing a foundation for
  perspective and simplicity in decision-making.
• What core values look like in
  practice
• How they influence competition
  and life choices.
• How to identify and use core
  values
• Exercises to help parents and
  youth athletes define core values.
• Using core values as a compass
  in challenging moments.

• Why habits are foundational to
  growth
• The power of alignment between
  core values and behavior.
• What small changes lead to big
  results
• Starting with small, actionable
  steps (e.g., 5-minute mindfulness sessions or short walks).
• Building toward sustainable
  habits over time.
• How to create and sustain habits
• "Stacking" new habits
  onto established routines.
• Monitoring and celebrating
  incremental progress.

• Why gratitude rewires the brain
• Counteracting the negativity
  bias with positive focus.
• What gratitude looks like in
  action
• Daily gratitude journals or
  moments of reflection.
• How to incorporate gratitude into
  daily life
• Practical tips for making
  gratitude a family practice.

Conclusion:
Putting It All Together

• Why a supportive mindset matters
• The long-term benefits of a
  mentally healthy sports environment.
• What success looks like for
  parents and athletes
• Confidence, resilience, and
  enjoyment in sports and life.
• How to continue the journey
• Resources for ongoing learning
  and growth.
• Community support and shared
  experiences.