Welcome to The Positively Healthy Mom Podcast! I'm Laura Ollinger, and today, I’m excited to welcome Michael Huber, a Certified Mental Performance Consultant and owner of Follow the Ball LLC. Michael brings a wealth of experience from working with athletes aged 12 to 22, and his insights into youth sports are as eye-opening as they are empowering.

In this episode, Michael dives deep into a topic many parents can relate to: How can we make the sports experience truly beneficial for young people? Together, we explore:

• The fear of failure and perfectionism that holds so many young athletes back.
• How the time, energy, and financial investments families make in sports can unintentionally create pressure for kids to perform.
• Why fear of negative outcomes—like missing out on a team or not playing in college—can dictate how kids show up on the field.
• The importance of focusing on what young athletes can control, rather than the external pressures they face.

Michael also shares his personal journey as a father and volunteer coach, revealing the moments that made him question how to create a positive, growth-focused sports experience for kids—and why he ultimately chose to dedicate his life to this mission seven years ago.

Whether your child is an aspiring athlete or simply learning the ropes of teamwork and resilience, this episode is packed with actionable advice to support them in their journey.

I’d love to hear how Michael’s insights resonate with you. As always, thank you for being part of this journey toward raising confident, resilient kids!

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