Teen Talk, Translated | Ep 23

What if your teen’s “I don’t know” isn’t a wall, but a window? We dig into the real reasons young athletes speak in shorthand and how brain development—an overactive limbic system and a still-maturing prefrontal cortex—turns big feelings into small words. Instead of forcing post-practice play-by-plays, we show simple ways to hear what isn’t said, reduce defensive shutdowns, and build trust that lasts beyond sports.

In this last installment in our Communication Mastery Series, we map the most common signals—shrugs, silence, eye rolls—and decode what they often mean under stress. You’ll learn the science behind misread tones, why worry can sound like judgment, and how a calm stance keeps conversations open. Then we share three field-tested strategies: don’t overreact when the answers are short, mirror what you notice instead of interrogating, and play the long game so your athlete knows home is a safe place to land. Along the way, we connect communication habits to life skills your kid will need on teams, at work, and in relationships, turning everyday car rides into practice for resilience and clarity.

We also share a quick resource for parents who want targeted guidance: the Offseason Impact Quiz, designed to highlight strengths, gaps, and next steps for your athlete’s growth. If you’ve ever felt stuck in one-word answers, this conversation offers a practical reset and a hopeful path forward—less pressure, more connection, and a clearer way to support the person behind the player.

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BONUSES:

- The FREE Game Day Guide is LIVE https://wecoachparents.com/gameready

- Offseason Impact Quiz (FREE) https://www.myathletescorecard.com/

Hear more from Coach Parker on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@itscoachparker

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/itscoachparker/

Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@itscoachparker

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