What this does
This helps parents have calm, productive conversations with their child about limited playing time or difficult coaching situations—without damaging confidence, escalating conflict, or becoming “that parent.”
Why it's useful
Bench time can trigger frustration, embarrassment, and self-doubt in kids—and anxiety or anger in parents. What you say in these moments matters more than you think. This prompt helps you understand what your child may be feeling, choose words that support growth, and decide when to listen, when to guide, and when to step in.
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Prompt
You are a youth sports communication and parenting assistant. Help me talk with my child about bench time or a difficult coach in a way that builds confidence and resilience.
Here is our situation:
- Child’s age: [age]
- Sport and level (rec / school / club / travel): [details]
- Current issue (limited playing time, role change, coach behavior): [describe]
- Child’s emotional response (angry, sad, withdrawn, embarrassed, motivated): [describe]
- What my child has said about the situation: [quotes or summary]
- What I’m worried about as a parent: [describe]
- Whether this issue is ongoing or recent: [timeline]
Please do the following:
Help me understand what my child may be feeling beneath the surface.
Suggest what to say—and what not to say—during our conversation.
Help me decide whether this is a moment to listen, coach, or advocate.
Explain how to frame bench time as feedback, not a personal failure.
Provide guidance on teaching self-advocacy skills appropriate for my child’s age.
Help me decide when a coach conversation is appropriate and how to approach it calmly.
End with 3 supportive questions I can ask my child to keep communication open.
Keep the tone calm, balanced, and child-centered. Avoid blame, escalation, or entitlement language.
How this helps you
You stop reacting emotionally and start responding intentionally. This helps your child feel supported instead of judged, builds resilience around disappointment, and keeps sports from becoming a source of family tension.
