FamilyLife Today®

Youth Sports Pressure--and Grace-Based Parenting: Brian Smith & Ed Uszynski

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24 min·February 6, 2026

About this Episode

Dreading the car ride home after your child's rough game? Research shows those tense, critical moments drive 70% of kids to quit sports by age 13—and they remember the emotional peak and ending more than the score. Brian Smith and Ed Uszynski, authors of Away Game: A Christian Parent's Guide to Navigating Youth Sports, show how to turn youth sports pressure and disappointment into gospel grace by choosing connection over correction, preparing words of unconditional pride, and rebuilding trust when you miss it.

Show Notes and Resources

  • Helpful tools and encouragement for parents available at FamilyLife.com/parentinghelp
  • "Away Game" by Ed Uszynski and Brian Smith — a thoughtful look at youth sports, identity, and what really matters for families is available at your favorite bookstore. 

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Youth Sports Pressure--and Grace-Based Parenting: Brian Smith & Ed Uszynski — FamilyLife Today® — Selah