As spring sports seasons kick into high gear, the pressure on teen athletes (and the parents supporting them) can reach a breaking point. Whether it’s the anxiety of a high-stakes track meet or the frustration of a slump on the baseball diamond, we often respond to these challenges by tightening our grip and "performing" harder.

When a child faces trauma or anxiety, their brain can switch into survival mode (fight, flight, freeze, fawn) without warning.

Many parents struggle with balancing discipline, empathy, and understanding their children's emotional needs. The book Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy can transform how parents view their children and themselves.