For Parents
Your child plays handball. You want to understand.
For parents of teens aged 13 to 18: supporting them through disappointment, having constructive chats, and working out next steps together. Without turning into a second coach. What's on your mind right now?
Finding the right support
My child is extremely nervousBarely approachable before games, stomach ache, restlessness.My child is devastated after making mistakesOne missed shot – and the whole evening is ruined.My child doesn't want to talkHeadphones on, door closed, "all good."My child gets angry after gamesBag slams, doors slam, so do words.My child isn't getting much game timeWarm-up, bench, high fives, drive home.My child wasn't selectedSelection, squad, scouting – and your name is missing.My child wants to quit"I can't be bothered anymore." So now what?My child constantly compares themselves to othersStatistics, Instagram, "the others are better".My child seems exhaustedTired, sensitive, no energy – even on days off.My child reacts strongly to criticismOne sentence from the coach – and the day is over.I don't know what to say after the gameThe car journey home is tense – even though you just wanted to show an interest.I think my child is under too much pressureAnd some of that might come from us.
Go straight there
Understanding
Practical knowledge for everyday life – from independent organisation to taking off the pressure before matches. No explanation replaces your child's perspective.
Adolescent development
Adolescence, brain development, identity, autonomy, emotions.
Stress
Acute stress, chronic stress, recovery, performance pressure.
Motivation
Intrinsic motivation, external pressure, autonomy, burnout risk.
Competition
Selection, playing time, comparison, team dynamics.
Setbacks
Injury, defeat, bench, not selected, club change.
Communication
Listening, questions, feedback, boundaries.
Biology & Nervous System
Puberty, stress physiology, nervous system, hormones, emotional regulation, brain development.
Articles for your family life
For Parents2 min readWhat's going on in your child's head right nowOn the court, your child takes on responsibility; at home, they snap at a simple question. That can be baffling. It doesn’t mean a lack of maturity, nor does it point to a single biological cause. Ask about the specific situation instead of writing off the behaviour as “just puberty”.Read article For Parents2 min readAfter a bad game: What really helps?A missed shot plays on your child’s mind. You also saw good moments and want to offer comfort. Before listing them, check: does your child actually want to talk about the match right now? There’s no need for a compulsory debrief, nor a ban on talking straight away.Read article For Parents2 min readCompetitive Sport and Pressure: Where Does Encouragement End?“I’m sorry you made the trip for nothing.” That phrase can be an opening to talk about expectations. It doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent. Ask how your child received it, rather than rushing to justify your support.Read article For Parents2 min readLittle game time: What parents can do (and not do)Your child trains regularly but gets little court time. That can be frustrating for everyone. Acknowledging their feelings doesn't mean questioning a team selection you only partly understand. And independence doesn't mean your child has to seek out difficult feedback entirely on their own.Read article For Parents2 min readThe conversation with the coachA comment from the coach is bothering your child, and you want to react immediately. Before calling, work out: is this about an unclear sporting task, workload, or disrespectful or unsafe behaviour? That changes who should speak and what goal makes sense.Read article For Parents2 min readTalking when you get little back"All good." Nothing more follows after training. It's okay to feel disappointed, without turning that into an obligation for your child to talk. A conversation isn't the only proof of a good relationship, and silence doesn't explain its own cause.Read article For Parents2 min readSocial Media, Comparisons and Highlight ReelsYour child watches a goalkeeper highlight reel and says: "Everyone saves better than me." Instead of blaming the phone, explore the comparison with them. A curated clip shows one moment, not the entire matchday or the person behind it.Read article For Parents2 min readWhen should you seek professional help?You don't need to spot a diagnosis before seeking advice. What matters are noticeable changes, how much your child is struggling, and their safety. One disappointing evening is very different from everyday life becoming steadily harder. A fixed waiting period is no safeguard.Read article For Parents3 min readNot selected: handling disappointment and asking for feedbackTheir name isn't on the squad list. How to be there for your child without sugarcoating the decision or immediately pushing for more training.Read article For Parents3 min readAfter an injury: supporting your child's return to playTeam contact, logistics, and initial conversations: what parents can contribute, while treatment and return-to-play clearance remain with qualified specialists.Read article For Parents3 min readExclusion and disrespectful behaviour at the clubRepeatedly excluded, insulted, or humiliated in front of the team: listen, gather specific observations, and find a safe way to resolve it.Read article For Parents3 min readChanging clubs: what truly suits my child?Look beyond court time: check their wishes, coaching support, team culture, and family balance together before making a move.Read article For Parents3 min readBody image, nutrition, and trainingBody comparisons and comments in sport: how to listen without judging, support healthy meals, and seek professional advice if you're worried.Read article
These contents are knowledge and training offerings from sport psychology. They do not replace psychotherapy, medical treatment, or professional sport psychological support.