What are the best ways to build resilience in young athletes? How can I help my teen handle pressure? In this episode of The Positively Healthy Mom, host Laura Ollinger sits down with Nick Gumpert—author of Starting, podcast host, and former collegiate athlete—to discuss the vital importance of proactive mental skill building.

While many parents focus on physical stats, the real "win" in youth sports is the development of a mindset that lasts a lifetime. Nick shares how we can move away from toxic positivity and instead give our children the tools to navigate heavy emotions, high expectations, and the "athlete-to-life" transition.

• The Power of Proactive Mental Health: Why we need to teach kids mental toughness before a crisis hits, rather than reacting to the fallout.
• Navigating High Expectations: How young adults (ages 14-24) can take ownership of their own story and manage the weight of external pressure.
• The "Starting" Framework: Lessons from Nick’s book on laying the groundwork for success in business, sports, and personal growth.
• The Rat Race of youth sports and how it impacts parents and families.

One of the biggest sources of "parent paralysis" is the fear that if a child hasn't specialized in a sport by age five, they’ve already lost the race. Nick debunks this myth with the powerful story of a high-level athlete who didn't even start playing competitively until the age of 14. This episode serves as a reminder that development isn’t a straight line. Whether your child is 8 or 18, they can still "catch up" and excel. It’s about the mindset and the willingness to start, not just the years on the field.

Are you ready to help your teen build a resilient mindset? Tune in to learn how to transition from a reactive parent to a proactive partner in your child's mental well-being.

She specializes in guiding teenagers and young adults toward a path of self-discovery, self-esteem, and resilience. She is here to help them navigate life's challenges and social skills with confidence and purpose.

Laura helps parents find the balance of supportive parenting versus overparenting. She helps them set healthy boundaries with their teens, teach positive communication techniques, and provide other tools and strategies to help them strengthen their bond with their teens.