Episode 04: We Fall with Them - Parenting Your Child Through Adversity with Josie Santiago

Josie Santiago, parent of FIT standout collegiate track and field athlete, Alexis, joins Kathy this week to share her sport parenting journey.   Josie shares her experience balancing the dual role of working mom and athlete support crew.  She talks candidly about co parenting Josie with husband Hector, working through her own feelings after the wins and losses, and how she used adversity to build Alexis's character and to instill a growth mindset.  This interview is full of great insight from a loving mom!

Episode 03: Parenting for a Pro with David Emma

Former NHL player, David Emma, joins Kathy to discuss his daughters pursuit of sports and how his professional experience has been useful (and detrimental) to his own parenting.

From helping your child make a mindset change, overcoming coaches' concerns (and your own lack of confidence) that you know what is best for your child, to listening when your child is telling you they're ready to quit David is full of great info and advice for sporting parents and families.

Episode 02: Parenting for the Child with Andrew Deramo Sr.

Photo credit Jay Blue/Blue Jays From Away

"...as a pitcher, you're sort of lonely out there. That doesn't bother him, failure doesn't bother him."

Andrew Deramo joins us to talk about his son, Andrew, currently pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays and their path in sports. Andrew is a firm believer in letting the child lead when it comes to choosing a sport. When his son decided to specialize in high school and give up basketball for a few years, Andrew didn't fight him, even though he disagreed.

For Andrew, parenting a "peak performer" was about continually "letting go" of his own expectations or desires to help give room for his son to grow and find his own path. As Andrew tells it, it's not about giving up parental authority or responsibility, but checking your own pride and ambition to help your child find their own way.

"Some parents take it WAY too serious. At a young age, they think if their kid is the best, he's going to be the best all the time."

Episode 01: Adding Water to Your Child’s Well with Larry Lauer, Ph.D.

Dr. Larry Lauer is the mental skills specialist for USTA Player Development, and for over a decade has been a sport pschology consultant with elite tennis players from juniors, college and the pro ranks.

“If you thought of your confidence as a well of water, those six streams fill up your well. But you need a deep well, for instance, if you’re going to face Raphael Nadal...”

He joins Kathy in this episode, to highlight the path of HEALTHY parenting for sporting families. Separating a child’s goals and aspirations from the parents. Dr. Lauer also talks about grounding your parenting in love and positivity, ensuring your child has a source of confidence to draw from in times of trial, on the court and off.