The Crossroads of Youth Sports Parenting

Raising Resilient Kids and Grounded Families in a Pressurized World

by Chris Goodrum

AS PARENTS, WE SPEND SO MUCH TIME PREPARING OUR KIDS FOR THE BIG GAME.
BUT WHO PREPARES US FOR ALL THAT COMES WITH IT?

All around the world, parents sign their kids up for sports thinking it’s all about the game. But soon, they come to realize it’s about so much more. They experience the emotional roller coaster of pressure, growth, failure, identity, and resilience that comes from watching someone they love challenge themselves on and off the field.

The Crossroads of Youth Sports Parenting is a heartfelt, honest, and practical guide for any parent trying to navigate the wild, beautiful, and confusing world of competitive youth sports. Written by father, husband, coach, and national basketball organization executive Chris Goodrum, this book dives into the emotional journey of raising young athletes—from the sidelines to the car rides home, from the highest highs to the lowest lows.

Blending personal stories, real questions, and powerful reflections, this book helps parents shift from being reactive to being reflective and from performance-driven coaching to relationship-centered parenting. It’s not about having all the answers. It’s about showing up—curious, calm, connected—and learning to lead with love.

Inside, you’ll find chapters on:

• Handling pressure, comparison, and emotional hijacking
• Helping your child build resilience, embrace their role, and navigate failure • Supporting your child through injuries, burnout, and fading passion
• Finding your role as a parent and growing right alongside your child

The Crossroads of Youth Sports Parenting isn’t a manual. It’s a mirror and a reminder that the season won’t last forever, but the foundations of support you build will last a lifetime.