Shoot us a text, just like your kid shoots for the goal!" ⚽🏆

"I don't want to play anymore." These six words can send any sports parent into a tailspin of emotions—disappointment, frustration, and even panic. But before you react, take a deep breath.

In this heartfelt episode, Katie and Cari tackle one of the most challenging conversations parents face: when your young athlete wants to quit their sport. Drawing from personal experiences and countless conversations with other parents, they reveal that kids rarely wake up one day suddenly hating their sport—there's almost always something deeper happening beneath the surface.

The hosts walk through exactly how to handle this delicate situation, starting with the crucial first step: just listen. Without judgment or interruption, create space for your child to express what's really going on. Is it conflict with teammates? Issues with a coach? Overheard conversations about financial strain? Or simply changing interests? Understanding the root cause is essential before making any decisions.

Katie and Cari emphasize that quitting shouldn't be the automatic response to challenges. Learning to work through difficulties—whether it's not getting enough playing time or dealing with difficult teammates—builds crucial life skills that extend far beyond sports. They share thoughtful strategies for addressing various issues while supporting your child's emotional needs.

Whether your athlete ultimately stays in their sport or moves on to something new, this episode provides the guidance you need to navigate the conversation with wisdom and compassion. After all, as Cari reminds us, "You're their parent, you're their safe space"—and how you handle this moment can shape not just their athletic journey, but how they approach challenges throughout their life.

Find us on Instagram @soccermomsunfiltered and @kick_it_with_katie_podcast

Shoot us a text, just like your kid shoots for the goal!" ⚽🏆

What happens when your soccer-obsessed child suddenly can't play? In this powerful conversation about "Sports Parent PTSD," Cari shares the raw, emotional journey of her son's devastating soccer injury that sidelined him for ten months.

From the moment she saw him go down on the field last May to his triumphant return in February, Cari reveals the unexpected emotional rollercoaster she experienced as a parent. Beyond the doctor appointments, surgeries, and physical therapy sessions lies a deeper struggle rarely discussed: the psychological toll on parents watching their children lose a piece of their identity.

"I placed a lot of blame on myself," Cari admits, describing nights spent crying herself to sleep while putting on a brave face during the day. Her candid reflection on the anxiety that gripped her when her son finally returned to play resonates with any parent who's held their breath watching their child step back into a challenging situation after injury.

Katie offers perspective from both coaching and parent viewpoints, examining how injuries impact not just the individual player but entire teams, communities, and families. Together, they explore coping mechanisms that helped them through the darkest moments – from journaling and gratitude practices to finding strength in vulnerability by sharing experiences.

As Cari prepares to face her next challenge – returning to the very tournament where her son's injury occurred – she reminds listeners that they're not alone in these struggles. This conversation opens a necessary dialogue about supporting not just injured athletes but the parents who suffer alongside them.

Have you experienced similar feelings watching your child return to sports after injury? Share your story with us at info@soccermomsunfiltered.com or message us on Instagram @soccermomsunfiltered.

Find us on Instagram @soccermomsunfiltered and @kick_it_with_katie_podcast

Shoot us a text, just like your kid shoots for the goal!" ⚽🏆

Soccer tournaments represent significant investments of time, money, and emotional energy for families. But what happens when illness strikes at the most inopportune moment? Parents across the country face this dilemma regularly, and their stories reveal the complex decision-making process behind whether a sick child should play or sit out.

The experiences shared on this episode range from heartbreaking to inspiring. One parent described their child who "seemed okay to play, but once he started running and breathing heavy, would start coughing non-stop, uncontrollably" becoming "more of a detriment than a help." Another recounted how half their team contracted norovirus during national quarterfinals, forcing them to play with no substitutes while several teammates competed while on medication.

Tournament travel amplifies these challenges dramatically. We hear from families who encountered fevers on airplanes, stomach bugs in hotel rooms, and viral infections at out-of-state competitions. The financial and emotional investments make these scenarios particularly difficult—like the family who traveled to Florida only to have their child play just "a few minutes" after being sidelined with flu symptoms.

Most parents emphasized letting children participate in the decision about their ability to play while sick. This collaborative approach helps young athletes develop bodily awareness while maintaining parental oversight. As one mother put it: "I kind of let him take the lead. If he felt he could play and give 100%, then he was welcome to."

Ultimately, there are no perfect solutions to sideline sickness. Each family must navigate these situations based on their specific circumstances, the nature of the illness, and their child's physical and emotional state. What's your approach when fever meets game day? We'd love to hear your stories at @SoccerMomsUnfiltered on Instagram or info@SoccerMomsUnfiltered.com.

Find us on Instagram @soccermomsunfiltered and @kick_it_with_katie_podcast