MOMs Running Point Podcast

Middle school is the weird awkward middle of youth sports — and this episode is the sports parenting advice you need to survive it. Sports MOMs 201 picks up where Sports MOMs 101 left off and dives into the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade years — when club kids, rec kids, and never-played kids all land on the same team, and it can be every bit as complicated for the parents. If you've ever wondered how to be a good sports parent when the sideline gets political, or how to be a supportive sports parent when your kid gets cut, this one is for you. This episode breaks down how middle school sports actually work — from mystery tryouts and back-to-back-to-back seasons to why your middle school coach (who is also the PE teacher) can't be your kid's personal skills trainer. You'll walk away with tips and strategies for parents of athletes covering everything from communication with coaches, to figuring out your kids skill development strategy, to knowing what belongs in the coach's inbox and what does NOT. We also tackle the sticky moments — like the perfect tip to escape a conversation you don't want to have.  Most importantly, this episode is a reminder of the parents' role in youth sports — not just chauffeuring and cheering, but setting boundaries, protecting our kids' bodies and joy, and building the sideline community we all wish we had. Whether your athlete is just starting middle school or already in the thick of it — this is the middle school playbook every sports mom needs. Thanks for listening to MOMs Running Point. Connect with MOMs Running Point:  Follow MOMs Running Point on Facebook Follow MOM's Running Point on Instagram Click here to sign up for the MOM's Running Point Newsletter!

This week on Moms Running Point, I sit down with Dr. Jen Fry of JenFryTalks — a conflict resolution expert who has spent her career helping athletes, coaches, and parents navigate the hardest conversations in sports. If you have ever driven home from practice fuming about something the coach did (or didn't) do, this episode is for you. As we discuss her new and future books Dr. Jen Fry gives us two questions to ask ourselves BEFORE we send that email, add your thoughts to the team chat or corner the coach after practice — "Am I hijacking the conversation?" and "What am I really mad at?" Both hit hard. And you don't want to miss Jen's Game Ball — it's rich with praises for those that Sport Parent at their best.  Listen before your next parent-coach conversation, especially if you're already drafting the email in your head. Episode 31 is out now wherever you get your podcasts.

This week's episode of Moms Running Point — Heat Check with HeatSense — opened my eyes to how much I didn't know. Melissa Fortenberry gives great sports parenting advice when it comes to heat illness in young athletes, and how doesn't always look like what we think.  In youth sports sometimes the most dangerous signs aren't recognized. Sometimes it's quiet confusion on the sideline that gets dismissed as a bad attitude or weakness because they aren't able to push through.  If you're seeing the signs, your child is already in the danger zone...what are we doing to prevent heat illness? MOMs Running Point talked with HeatSense, the company building wearable technology that tracks a young athlete's core temperature in real time and alerts parents and coaches and staff the second a kid is heading into danger — not after. If your kid plays a summer sport, a turf sport, or anything where they're outside in this heat — please listen to this one. And share it with the other moms on your team. Sometimes the most powerful thing we do as supportive sports moms is know more than or question the people running the practice. Episode Links: HeatSense: https://heatsense.com  TYPE IN THE CODE: RunningPoint26 AT CHECK OUT FOR $50 OFF!!! wet bulb index: https://www.weather.gov/tsa/wbgt

Sports MOMs CAN do it all.  Even Videography.  A fun listen as we dive into the all-too-real journey of becoming your childs or even the team videographer—whether you signed up for it or not. Returning guest Alexis Smith and I share our camera experience including tips and mishaps, the learning curve to recording, highering a professional vs doing it ourselves, and we're breaking down what it really looks like behind the camera, including that imposter syndrome that many sports moms experience.  Don't miss this episode's Technical Foul from Alexis Smith. It is diabolical-Adult Bullies :\ shouldn't ever be a thing. Episode Highlights: How sports moms end up as videographers (the "voluntold" moment we all know) The pros and cons of DIY filming vs hiring a professional Game-day strategies to capture footage that actually matters Imposter Syndrome-taking your spot beside the professionals Turning a sideline role into a potential side hustle     This episode is filled with Youth Sports Parenting Advice, How to film kids sports, Capturing sports highlights, sports video tips  

Conflict in sports is inevitable—but how we handle it makes all the difference. This week on MOMs Running Point, we're joined by Dr. Jen Fry from Jen Fry Talks to break down why conflict arises between athletes, parents, and teammates—and what we can do about it.  Dr. Jen Fry (she/her) is a Sports Geographer, tech founder, TEDx speaker, and sought-after speaker and educator. She owns JenFryTalks, an organizational change firm that sits at the intersection of conflict and culture. From sideline tensions to team dynamics, we dive into the root causes of conflict and how myths, expectations and lack of guidance can escalate situations quickly. Dr. Jen Fry shares powerful insights on how athletes can practice assertiveness, communicate effectively, and approach coaches in a way that builds understanding—not more conflict. Learn how to: Navigate tough conversations with confidence  why you should Support your athlete and not take over Turn conflict into growth opportunities This is a must-listen for every sports parent and athlete striving for healthier, stronger team environments and what every parent "says" when they sign their kid up for sports, its for personal development. Listen now and take the first step toward better communication and stronger relationships on and off the field. GET JEN'S BOOK HERE: https://jenfrytalks.com/book/ #MOMsRunningPoint #AthleteConflict #SportsParenting #TeamCulture #Leadership #CommunicationSkills