Tryouts stir up more than just nerves. As a parent, you might feel the weight of your child’s hopes, the unpredictability of the outcome, and the quiet pressure to say and do all the right things. You want to be supportive—but not overbearing. Encouraging—but not pushy. You want to help them succeed, but more than that, you want them to feel okay no matter what happens.
And whether you realize it or not, how you show up during tryouts plays a big role in how they experience it—and in how they show up, too. Here's how to support your child before, during, and after tryouts in ways that ease pressure, build confidence, and deepen trust.
Before Tryouts: Build a Foundation of Calm and Confidence
- Say less, support more. Try not to overload them with reminders or last-minute tips. Trust what they’ve already learned—and trust them to use it.
- Check your own anxiety. Your child will pick up on your energy. Calm is contagious.
- Keep things normal at home. Routine helps regulate the nervous system. Avoid turning tryouts into a three-day countdown event.
- Prioritize sleep and sports nutrition. Fatigue and poor fueling increase stress and reduce focus. A good night’s sleep and a balanced meal are more valuable than any pep talk.
- Let them take the lead. Ask how involved they want you to be—helping them pack, dropping them off early, staying quiet. Their sense of control matters.
- Talk about what nerves mean. Before they even step onto the field or court, help them understand that nervousness is normal—it means they care. Naming it ahead of time gives them power over it.
During Tryouts: Be Their Anchor, Not Another Coach
- Be available, but low-pressure. Whether you’re watching or waiting outside, keep your presence calm and your tone light.
- Choose your questions carefully. Instead of asking
