Shoot us a text, just like your kid shoots for the goal!" ⚽🏆

What happens when your soccer-obsessed child suddenly can't play? In this powerful conversation about "Sports Parent PTSD," Cari shares the raw, emotional journey of her son's devastating soccer injury that sidelined him for ten months.

From the moment she saw him go down on the field last May to his triumphant return in February, Cari reveals the unexpected emotional rollercoaster she experienced as a parent. Beyond the doctor appointments, surgeries, and physical therapy sessions lies a deeper struggle rarely discussed: the psychological toll on parents watching their children lose a piece of their identity.

"I placed a lot of blame on myself," Cari admits, describing nights spent crying herself to sleep while putting on a brave face during the day. Her candid reflection on the anxiety that gripped her when her son finally returned to play resonates with any parent who's held their breath watching their child step back into a challenging situation after injury.

Katie offers perspective from both coaching and parent viewpoints, examining how injuries impact not just the individual player but entire teams, communities, and families. Together, they explore coping mechanisms that helped them through the darkest moments – from journaling and gratitude practices to finding strength in vulnerability by sharing experiences.

As Carri prepares to face her next challenge – returning to the very tournament where her son's injury occurred – she reminds listeners that they're not alone in these struggles. This conversation opens a necessary dialogue about supporting not just injured athletes but the parents who suffer alongside them.

Have you experienced similar feelings watching your child return to sports after injury? Share your story with us at info@soccermomsunfiltered.com or message us on Instagram @soccermomsunfiltered.

Shoot us a text, just like your kid shoots for the goal!" ⚽🏆

Soccer tournaments represent significant investments of time, money, and emotional energy for families. But what happens when illness strikes at the most inopportune moment? Parents across the country face this dilemma regularly, and their stories reveal the complex decision-making process behind whether a sick child should play or sit out.

The experiences shared on this episode range from heartbreaking to inspiring. One parent described their child who "seemed okay to play, but once he started running and breathing heavy, would start coughing non-stop, uncontrollably" becoming "more of a detriment than a help." Another recounted how half their team contracted norovirus during national quarterfinals, forcing them to play with no substitutes while several teammates competed while on medication.

Tournament travel amplifies these challenges dramatically. We hear from families who encountered fevers on airplanes, stomach bugs in hotel rooms, and viral infections at out-of-state competitions. The financial and emotional investments make these scenarios particularly difficult—like the family who traveled to Florida only to have their child play just "a few minutes" after being sidelined with flu symptoms.

Most parents emphasized letting children participate in the decision about their ability to play while sick. This collaborative approach helps young athletes develop bodily awareness while maintaining parental oversight. As one mother put it: "I kind of let him take the lead. If he felt he could play and give 100%, then he was welcome to."

Ultimately, there are no perfect solutions to sideline sickness. Each family must navigate these situations based on their specific circumstances, the nature of the illness, and their child's physical and emotional state. What's your approach when fever meets game day? We'd love to hear your stories at @SoccerMomsUnfiltered on Instagram or info@SoccerMomsUnfiltered.com.

Shoot us a text, just like your kid shoots for the goal!" ⚽🏆

Ever checked into a tournament hotel and immediately wanted to check out? You're not alone! In this candid conversation, Katie and Cari swap hotel horror stories from their soccer parent travels that will have you double-checking your next booking.

From rooms reeking of cigarette smoke to finding someone already sleeping in an assigned room, the hosts reveal the sketchy side of "stay and play" tournament accommodations. They question how these subpar properties make it onto approved hotel lists and share the frustration of team managers who spend hours researching options only to arrive at properties that fail to meet basic standards.

Beyond accommodation nightmares, Katie opens up about the emotional realization that she's coaching her daughter's team for the last tournament season before they move up to 11v11. This bittersweet milestone resonates with any parent watching their child grow through sports, highlighting the temporary nature of our roles in their athletic journeys.

The conversation takes unexpected turns through their shared interest in true crime entertainment and the recent Christian Pulisic documentary, which reveals the enormous sacrifices required to pursue professional soccer. This leads to a thought-provoking discussion about the fundamental cultural differences between American and European soccer development – in Europe, football is life; in America, it's just entertainment.

Whether you're a soccer parent who's experienced similar travel woes or you're looking for recommendations for your next tournament trip, this episode delivers both commiseration and practical insights. Share your own hotel horror stories or recommendations with us at info@soccermomsunfiltered.com!

Follow us on Instagram @soccermomsunfiltered and @kick_it_with_katie_podcast