EP 94: Richard Shorter - Setting Family Values, Building Self-Awareness and the Importance of Good Mentorship

"One of the most awkward parts of my sessions is when I say to parents, I’d like you just to turn to one another and practice what you’re going to say to your kids when you get the email saying they’re dropped... because parents don’t want to think about that moment."

This conversation is with Richard Shorter (@nonperfectdad), a conversation architect and non-perfect dad. Richard works with various sports across the UK in professional academy systems, national sporting organisations and schools to help coaches, parents and athletes work more effectively together.

Richard has honours degrees in community and youth studies and theology and has worked with youth in various roles for churches and government agencies.

In this conversation, Richard and I discuss the importance of setting clear family values, building self-awareness, the benefits of investing in yourself for your kids, the importance of good mentorship, and much more.

We also discuss:

• The best questions to ask your kids to support their sporting journey;
• Why learning to control your own emotions on the sideline is crucial and how to do it;
• Why kids need rhythms and routines in life to escape pressure;
• Letting your child set the agenda for conversations;
• The 'adultification' of youth sport;
• Why Richard thinks living vicariously through your kids is a myth;
• The risk of trying too hard to shape your child’s character;
• The need to be more patience with development;
• The benefits of practising important parenting conversations before you have them;
• Nature versus nurture in character development;
• Why home should act as a harbour from an unrelenting sporting environment; and
• Richard’s top advice for every sports parent.

Please enjoy!

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