{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"how to raise athletic kids | 238","description":"Want stronger, happier, more athletic kids? Get my weekly playbook for building lifelong fitness and motivation: https:\/\/better.biz\/newsletter In this episode, I share the 3 principles my wife and I used to raise athletic kids (7, 11, and 13) across football, track, soccer, and competitive dance. It wasn\u2019t genetics\u2014it was intentional. Use these to build skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of movement. \ud83c\udfc6 The 3 Principles Normalize fitness at home: Make movement part of the environment and schedule. Keep it playful first; structure comes later. Praise effort over outcomes: Reward hustle, practice habits, positioning, and resilience\u2014not trophies or touchdowns. Let them choose: Guide, don\u2019t push. Rotate sports, avoid early specialization, and watch for burnout. \ud83c\udfe0 How to \u201cNormalize Fitness\u201d (No Drill Sergeant Required) Make it visible: Garage\/home gym, rings, med balls, jump ropes out and ready. Play first: Tag, \u201cfloor is lava,\u201d relay races, obstacle courses. Keep sessions short and fun. Model it: Shift some workouts to when kids are awake so they see you train. Layer structure later: As interest grows, add simple strength\/skill blocks (bench, KB swings, dance drills). \ud83c\udfaf Effort > Outcome: Coaching Phrases that Build Grit \u201cI noticed how hard you chased that play.\u201d \u201cYour practice effort all week put you in position for that goal.\u201d \u201cLoved your focus on the little details\u2014do more of that.\u201d \ud83e\udde0 Autonomy Beats Burnout (Let Them Choose) Rotate seasons: Try multiple sports before committing. Check-in questions: \u201cWhat feels fun right now?\u201d \u201cWant to try a different position\/event?\u201d Watch the load: Too many leagues\/practices = fast burnout. Pull back early. \ud83d\udd17 Why This Works (Self-Determination Theory) Autonomy: They pick the sport\/activity. Competence: They see skills improve (strength, footwork, mobility). Relatedness: Family trains together; team\/community support. \ud83d\udee0\ufe0f Quick-Start Checklist Set a visible movement zone at home (2\u20133 simple tools). Schedule two 15\u201320 min family \u201cplay sessions\u201d this week. Use only effort-based praise after practices\/games. Ask your kid to choose next week\u2019s activity\u2014then back it. \u23f1\ufe0f Chapters  00:00 Why it\u2019s not genetics\u2014it\u2019s intentional 00:40 Principle 1: Normalize fitness at home 02:30 Play-first approach (tag, obstacles, short sessions) 03:30 Principle 2: Praise effort, not outcomes 04:40 What to say after games\/practice 05:20 Principle 3: Let them choose (avoid early specialization) 06:35 Spotting & solving burnout 07:30 SDT link: autonomy \u2022 competence \u2022 relatedness 08:05 Quick-start checklist & wrap Final Take: Build an environment where movement is normal, celebrate the grind, and honor their choices. Athleticism follows\u2014and so does a lifelong love of fitness. Connect with me: Instagram: https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/jerred.moon\/ My site: https:\/\/better.biz Get my book: https:\/\/bit.ly\/killingcomfort #parenting #athletickids #youthsports #motivation #selfdeterminationtheory #familyfitness #tryharder #betterhumanbusiness ","author_name":"better. with Jerred Moon","author_url":"https:\/\/betterhumanbusiness.com\/","html":"