Leadership and Life Balance
How do I stop the car ride home becoming a debrief of my child's game?
Rhema Adelaja · National Champion & 4x DUX
Make the car ride home the safest part of the day. Say one thing: "I enjoyed watching you play." Let your athlete decide whether to talk about the game. Save feedback for later, and let the coach do the coaching.
The answer
- Start with one line: "I enjoyed watching you play."
- Then stop. Silence is fine.
- Let your athlete lead. If they want to talk, listen first.
- If they do talk, help them ask what happened, what was in their control and what is next.
- Do not replay mistakes, blame the referee or coach from the passenger seat.
- If you have a concern, raise it another day, calmly.
For information only. This is general information for student-athletes, not medical, legal, financial or professional advice. Talk to a qualified professional about your own situation. Terms
Rules and amounts change. Check the official source before you act. Last checked: 12 October 2026.