RESET is the simple routine that keeps sports parents from turning the ride home into a stress factory. Recognize you’re heated, exhale, step back, empathize, and teach later—because coaching only works once everyone’s nervous system is back online. Run the 90-second calm-down and skip the post-game interrogation.

The game ends… and then the real game starts. Not the scoreboard game—the car ride home game. That’s where confidence gets built or broken, and where motivation either stays alive… or quietly packs its bags. Most parents aren’t trying to be harsh—they’re trying to help. The problem is the “help” we give in the first five minutes after a game is usually the kind that backfires. So here’s a simple playbook coaches wish every parent would run: ask three questions—Did you have fun? What did you learn? What do you need from me: a hug, a hype-up, or help?

The sideline has an effect—even when you don’t say a word. Your athlete picks up your tone, body language, and reactions to mistakes, refs, and coaches, and that energy becomes part of their performance environment. This post breaks down three simple sideline habits that build confidence (without turning you into a second coach) and a steady rule to live by: be the calm—because confidence is built in moments like this.

Playing time is a hot topic because it feels personal. But your athlete is watching how you handle hard conversations. If you want them to grow into someone who can face feedback, stay steady under pressure, and keep working when things aren’t fair—this is one of those moments. Calm advocacy teaches strength. Public frustration teaches stress.