![Don't Mom Alone Podcast - The Role of Parents in Youth Sports :: Ed Uszynski and Brian Smith [Ep 540]](https://storage.googleapis.com/goodpods-images-bucket/episode_images/dd1312349f43fb37df455b2f882bcaa2fbe73d3c442bfdfea1beb0096b7a0411.avif)
The Role of Parents in Youth Sports :: Ed Uszynski and Brian Smith [Ep 540]
Don't Mom Alone Podcast
09/15/25
•54m
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Is your child really doomed if they don’t start soccer by age 2? Do you feel the constant pressure to sign your kids up for the “right” teams and keep pace with the families around you?
In this episode, longtime youth sports leaders Ed and Brian pull back the curtain on the fear-driven culture so many parents get caught in. They challenge the myth of early specialization and share a hope-filled vision of what true success looks like for our kids—on and off the field. You’ll hear practical wisdom on how to stay connected with your child while letting them own their sports journey.
Here’s what we cover:
Related Episodes:
In this episode, longtime youth sports leaders Ed and Brian pull back the curtain on the fear-driven culture so many parents get caught in. They challenge the myth of early specialization and share a hope-filled vision of what true success looks like for our kids—on and off the field. You’ll hear practical wisdom on how to stay connected with your child while letting them own their sports journey.
Here’s what we cover:
- The silent killer: what’s said in the car ride home
- What the fruits of the Spirit look like on the sidelines
- Creating spiritual rhythms around practice and game day
- The myth of “early start or fall behind”
- Plus, a little Napoleon Dynamite and Uncle Rico fun!
- Website: Away Game
- Instagram: Ed Uszynski
- Instagram: Brian Smith
Related Episodes:
- Choosing Connection Over Critique :: Rachel Macy Stafford [Ep 280]
- How to be Calm and Kind Under Pressure :: Candace Cameron Bure [Ep 223]
- Parenting in the Power of the Holy Spirit :: Jeannie Cunnion [Ep 347]
- Green Chef: Make this fall your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Head to Greenchef.com/50ALONE and use code 50ALONE to get 50% off your first month then 20% off for two months with free shipping.
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- Untriggered by Amber Lia: Untriggered: 60 Days of Transformation for Moms Who Struggle with Anger available at MoodyPublishers.com or wherever you get good books.
- Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors.
Previous Episode
Do you feel embarrassment or shame around talking to your kids about sex? Do you wish someone else could come talk to them for you?
Well today Kristin Miele is here to share her curriculum called Sex Ed Reclaimed. Kristin very reluctantly dove into this topic, she kept trying to run from it but God kept putting her in spaces to teach the truth of how our bodies are made. Here is some of what we cover:
Connect with Kristen Miele:
Links Mentioned:
Related Episodes:
Featured Sponsors:
Well today Kristin Miele is here to share her curriculum called Sex Ed Reclaimed. Kristin very reluctantly dove into this topic, she kept trying to run from it but God kept putting her in spaces to teach the truth of how our bodies are made. Here is some of what we cover:
-
Teaching about boundaries, safety, and abuse prevention - The "STOP" acronym for responding to porn exposure
- The difference between recognizing our feelings and declaring that they are truth
- Talking to your kids about abortion, same-sex attraction, and gender questions
- The harm of 90s purity culture—and a healthier, more grace-filled way forward
Connect with Kristen Miele:
- Website: Christian Online Sex Ed Courses | Sex Ed Reclaimed
- Instagram: Finally, Sex Ed You Can Trust Just For Kids! (@sexedreclaimed)
Links Mentioned:
- Good Pictures Bad Pictures: By Kristen Jenson
- Sex Ed Reclaimed Curriculum –use code DONTMOMALONE for 15 percent off.
Related Episodes:
- Porn-Proofing Our Kids :: Kristen Jenson [Ep 256]
- Birds and Birds? Oh Help Me Please :: Mary Flo Ridley [Ep 25]
- Let’s Talk about Sex :: Mary Flo Ridley and Megan Michelson [Ep 328]
- Overcoming Barriers to Sexual Intimacy :: Nancy Houston [Ep 206]
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Next Episode
Is This Normal Teen Behavior—or a Red Flag? :: Mark Gregston [Ep 541]
September 22, 2025
•51m
Have you ever felt like your teenager is pulling away, and no matter how much you talk, nothing seems to get through?
In this episode, we’re joined by Mark Gregston, a ministry leader who has spent over 50 years walking with teenagers through crises, often welcoming them into his home. His insights challenge a lot of the assumptions we make about parenting teens. Mark reminds us that relationships are the most important thing and shares ways to make that connection, and how to transition from parenting littles to older kids. Here is some of what we cover:
In this episode, we’re joined by Mark Gregston, a ministry leader who has spent over 50 years walking with teenagers through crises, often welcoming them into his home. His insights challenge a lot of the assumptions we make about parenting teens. Mark reminds us that relationships are the most important thing and shares ways to make that connection, and how to transition from parenting littles to older kids. Here is some of what we cover:
- What to do when mom shame pops up
- How to know when your teen is just being a teen... and when it's a red flag
- What to do when your teen surprises you with behavior you didn’t see coming
- How to give them more responsibility and be less controlling
- Creating a home where relationships flourish is possible—even when things feel hopeless
- Website: Parenting Today's Teens with Mark Gregston
- Website: Heartlight Ministries
- Facebook: Parenting Today's Teens with Mark Gregston
- Instagram: PTT with Mark Gregston (@parentingtodaysteens)
- Family Crisis Coaching Program - Parenting Today's Teens
- Heartlight Ministries
- Parenting Today's Teens Podcast with Mark Gregston
- eBooks - Parenting Today's Teens
- Help for the Unspoken Challenges of Parenting Teens :: Amy Betters-Midtvedt [Ep 493]
- Three Faith Pillars for Parenting Teens :: Melissa Kruger [Ep 457]
- Important Topics to Cover with Tweens and Teens about Manners, Technology and Friendship :: Lee Cordon [Ep 408]
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- Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors.
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