Dan Orlovsky and Greg Olsen Discuss Ins and Outs of Sports Parenting

There’s no manual to being a sports parent. With more choices, distractions and voices, it can be difficult to know where to turn. Sometimes a little tough love and old school values can be the answer.

In a fascinating conversation, former NFL players Dan Orlovsky and Greg Olsen went back and forth on what made them successful and how they’re both trying to help their kids find success in sports. While there isn’t one right way to do things, and every situation is different, both Orlovsky and Olsen agreed on one thing: kids need to be pushed.

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Key Takeaways

Parents: Take the Tiger Woods Approach

“Tiger Woods said golf is a game of misses,” said Orlovsky. “I correlate that to sports parenting. As parents we’re going to miss a lot when it comes to stewarding of these athletes.”

It’s OK to make mistakes as long as we learn from them. As sports parents, just know that you're going to make a lot of mistakes.

Sometimes Pushing Kids and Putting Some Pressure on Them Is Good

“You hear a lot of people say don’t push, don’t pressure them,” said Orlovsky. “Wait, growing up I had a lot of people push and pressure and it had benefits, so why would I not pressure and push?

Sports, like life, isn’t easy. To be successful people need to be pushed. Said Orlovsky, “You have to push kids beyond their discomfort.”

Establish a Process and Consistency

Orlovsky asks his kids to list five things they’re good at and five things they’re not good at and then develops a plan to attack their weaknesses. The process is long and requires consistent effort every day.

“It doesn’t happen overnight,” said Orlovsky. “Kids have become so dependent on the scheduled workout. They have to take ownership and accountability themselves. I come up with things that my kids can do every day that will help them get better [over time].”