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Wouldn’t it be nice to raise a child that goes on to be the next LeBron James, Serena Williams, or Peyton Manning? Of course! But isn’t that setting the bar too high?

There’s so much more that our kids can learn from playing sports. If we teach them to focus on improving their skills, learn from their mistakes, and be good teammates, they’ll be successful no matter what they do.

For this conversation, I’m thrilled to welcome back none other than Alan Stein, Jr. Alan is an author, keynote speaker, and a performance coach with a passion for helping others change their behaviors and maximize performance.

His proven principles teach others how to utilize the same approaches in business that elite athletes use to perform at a world-class level.

For over 15 years, he’s worked with legends and superstars in the NBA, such as Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and Kobe Bryant.

Alan talks about empowering our kids to give it their best, develop a positive attitude, and be good teammates. We also talk about winning graciously and losing gracefully because there are lessons to be learned, no matter the outcome.

And if things aren’t going well, or if they miss a shot, teaching our kids to move on to the “Next Play” is such a great lesson in sports and in life. It’s okay if they fall or come up short. But if they learn to get up, shake it off, and move forward, they’ll have way more wins than losses in their life.

If your kids are playing sports, there’s a good chance that you’ve seen a parent yelling and screaming from the sidelines and thinking they’re helping the situation when it’s actually having the opposite impact.

Alan reminds us that if we stay in our lanes, let the players play, and the coaches coach, we can focus on being the parent and empowering our kids to be the best at whatever they want to do.

 One last thing, if you enjoyed this conversation, please leave an honest review of the FRD podcast and mention this episode. Send a screenshot to our team at FrontRowDads.com, tell us which one of Alan’s books you want and we’ll mail you a copy for free. (USA/Canadian residents only)

Alan Stein Jr. Podcast Highlights

• Sports should be fun, and an avenue for development and teaching life lessons.
• Why coaches and parents should put a greater focus on kids being a greater teammate versus winning and losing.
• Why the “Next Play” mentality works not only in sports, but in all aspects of life.
• The negative impact that parents can have when attempting to “coach” from the sidelines.
• The best thing that parents can do at their kids’ games is cheer them on and provide encouragement.
• The importance of focusing on the process of having a good attitude and giving your best effort.
• Show our kids how to win graciously and lose gracefully.
• Why youth sports should not be about parents living vicariously through their kids’ experiences.
• How to help our kids make the connection of how preparation factors into both winning and losing.
• The trilogy of behaviors that parents and coaches need to eradicate from youth sports.
• The positive impact that comes from telling our kids “I love to watch you play”.
• One simple rule: Let the players play and let the coaches coach.
• Everybody makes mistakes. Teach our kids not to talk to referees when something goes wrong, since the referees don’t say anything to them when they make mistakes or miss a shot during the game.
• Let’s also make sure that we check in on each other, especially if you know someone that could use a friendly voice or text right now.

“Sadly, statistics have shown that more and more kids are quitting sports at earlier and earlier ages, and the number one reason is due to adult interference.” - Alan Stein, Jr. Share on X “I would encourage parents to empower and encourage the process more than the outcomes. So don't worry so much whether your kid wins or loses, but focus on the process of having a good attitude, giving your best effort and being a… Share on X “If everybody stays in their lane, then I believe it makes for a much more enjoyable and enriching experience.” - Alan Stein, Jr. Share on X “I believe that one of the biggest life lessons we can teach our children through sport is how to win graciously and how to lose gracefully.” - Alan Stein, Jr. Share on X

Alan Stein Jr. Links & Other Resources

• Alan Stein, Jr. Website
• Raise Your Game Show Podcast
• Follow Alan Stein, Jr. on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram
• The Sideline By Alan Stein, Jr. and Rich Czeslawski
• Raise Your Game: High Performance Secrets from the Best of the Best by Alan Stein Jr.
• Raise Your Game Book Club: Facilitator Guide
• Raise Your Game Book Club: Team Member Workbook
• Sustain Your Game: High Performance Keys to Manage Stress, Avoid Stagnation, and Beat Burnout

Alan Stein Jr. Bio

Alan Stein, Jr. is an experienced keynote speaker and author. His passion is as a performance coach and helping others to change behaviors.

Through his customized programs, he transfers his unique expertise to maximize both individual and organizational performance.

For more than 15 years, he’s worked with the highest performing basketball players on the planet such as NBA superstars Steph Curry, Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant.

Alan is an incredible storyteller who delivers practical, actionable lessons that anyone can use immediately. He teaches proven principles on how to utilize the same approaches in business that elite athletes use to perform at a world-class level.

His previous clients include Pepsi, American Express, Sabra, Starbucks, Charles Schwab, and Penn State Football, and many more.

The strategies from Alan’s book, Raise Your Game: High Performance Secrets from the Best of the Best, are implemented by both corporate and sports teams around the world.

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While most dads would say that family matters most, the challenge is they feel guilty knowing their careers get the best of them, and their family seems to get the rest of them.

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Disclaimer: The transcription you’re about to read was produced digitally. It’s 95% accurate, however at times, the system interprets words incorrectly. [/read]