Is the “What to Wear” Battles with Your Children Worth it?
I was recently interviewed by the Detroit Free Press about what to do when your children want to wear something and you don’t think they should. It’s a common battle between parents and children (especially if you have daughters which, BTW, I have two of)) and one, I argue in the interview, that should rarely be […]
Read MoreThe Challenges of Sports Parenting
I was recently interviewed by a Canadian parenting magazine (thus the title’s reference to Sidney Crosby) on the challenges of being a sports parents. There are some interesting perspectives that the parents of young athletes will appreciate and learn from.
Read MoreWhat it Takes to be a Champion
Jamie Astle, the father of the late racer Bryce Astle, recently described the qualities that he believed would have made Bryce a ski racing champion. His list is formidable and very consistent with my own ideas on the topic. Here’s the list: He embraced a positive attitude and was always able see the good […]
Read MoreToo Much Screen Time Hurts Teens’ Grades
A not-surprising finding from a recent study of teenagers has revealed that extra screen time hurts their grades. Specifically, one hour extra each day in front of a screen resulted in a two-grade decline (about 10 points) on exams and two extra hours produced an even greater drop in grades. Usually these studies don’t allow […]
Read MoreThe Fall Matters: Make it Count
If you’re at all serious about your ski racing, this past summer should have been devoted to the process of making yourself the best ski racer you can be. There is one thing that you better have done and another thing that you likely will have done this past summer: engage in an intensive physical […]
Read MoreInterview on Endurance Sport Psychology
I was recently interviewed by TrailRunningNation.com on the psychology of endurance sports, including trail running. I offer a lot of practical ideas on how to be prepared, feel confident, focus and deal with the pain of an endurance event.
Read MorePGA Star Jordan Spieth Didn’t Specialize Early
On the heels of my recent post in which I explore the risks and benefits of young athletes specializing early in a sport, a recent article in the New York Times reveals that Jordan Spieth, the PGA’s #1 ranked golfer (at age 22) was not born and raised to be a professional golfer. As the article […]
Read MoreWhen Should Your Young Athlete Specialize?
This question torments every parent who wants to support their children’s efforts as they pursue their own personal greatness in a sport. It is also one of the most frequently asked questions I get from parents of young athletes. This question isn’t just one of professional interest to me. Rather, it’s personal for two reasons. […]
Read MoreSwimmer Ledecky’s Parents are My Heroes
Katie Ledecky made history when she won the four freestyle swimming event between 200 and 1500 meters at the recently concluded 2015 World Swimming Championships in Kazan, Russia. Her athletic feat was singularly remarkable to be sure. However, I’m more interested in what led her to this place, particularly the role that her parents played […]
Read MoreSummer is a Great Time to Watch Ski Racing Video
Watching videos of yourself and World Cup racers is a valuable tool for improving technique and tactics, getting inspired, and increasing motivation, confidence, and focus. If you’re like most racers, you use it a lot during the winter as part of your training. Video enables you to more clearly understand and see what you need […]
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