A Parenting Game-Changer and Something Special for Skiers ⛷️

Support For Parents And Their Athletes

Shannon’s October Update ✨

My newsletters tend to zigzag through whatever is happening in my life, and today is no different. Lately, I’ve been pouring my heart into Champions Advantage, where we equip youth sports teams with mental skills programs. I’m living in the youth sports world from just about every angle, as a parent, an Olympian, and a business owner convincing teams that the mind needs training, too!

We’ve made some exciting strides that I can’t wait to share. But first, I want to pass along one of the BEST pieces of parenting advice I’ve ever received.

Whether your child has had a big loss, a rough practice, or one of those days when everything feels like too much, remember the 3 Hs: “I’m so sorry that happened. Do you want me to Help you, Hear you, or Hug you?” Help. Hear. Hug.

The Three H’s For Parents

Do you want me to Help you, Hear you, or Hug you?

Simple, right? As an Olympian and a mom who has experienced plenty of sports’ highs and lows, I tend to assume my kids want my help. I have experience! I have perspective! I have all the answers!

Turns out, my children don’t care. Since I started asking my kids this question, not once, seriously, NOT ONCE, have they chosen “Help.” Sometimes they want a Hug. Most of the time, they just want me to Hear them.

FASCINATING. And a little humbling! It’s made me realize that my kids often need room to work through their feelings before deciding what comes next. They may already know what they want to change, or they may simply need to be upset for a minute without me turning it into a lesson.

Giving them a safe place to be vulnerable, frustrated, or disappointed can be its own kind of support. I don’t always have to deliver the perfect advice. Sometimes, I just have to be there.

So, fellow parents, give the 3 H’s a try. Then leave a comment and tell me what happens! Parenting is hard enough. When we find something that helps, I’m all for sharing it.

An Amazing Opportunity For 10 Ski Athletes

Every year, around March, my inbox fills up with messages from ski parents across the country. Junior Nationals and other national events are approaching, the pressure is building, and athletes who have worked hard all season are struggling to perform the way they know they can.

Those emails hit home. I know how much heart goes into this sport, and how frustrating it feels when nerves get in the way at the moment you care about most.

That’s why fellow Olympic skier Doug Lewis and I (and a few guest Olympians) are offering a small-group mental skills program for just 10 ski athletes.

We’ll teach the mental skills we consider most important, focusing on one skill each week so athletes have time to learn it, use it, and practice it. The goal is to build familiar habits they can turn to when the pressure rises.

Because “just be confident!” is easy to say from the sidelines. Learning *how* to build that confidence takes practice, and it starts before the season!

We’re keeping this group small and personal, and it isn’t listed on our website. If your ski athlete is interested, reply to this email and I’ll send you more information. All ski athletes are welcome to inquire!

The flyer is below. Ten spots, two Olympians, and time to give the mental side of skiing some attention!!

Dig deep. You’ve got this, and I’m here to help!