Is the Pressure of Youth Sports Too Much for Our Kids? - Chris Bjork

Is the Pressure of Youth Sports Too Much for Our Kids? - Chris Bjork

Author: Hunter Clarke-Fields October 21, 2025 Duration: 41:49
Are youth sports helping our kids thrive—or pushing them too hard? In this episode of the Mindful Mama Podcast, Hunter talks with Chris Bjork about how youth sports are changing—and what that means for our kids. Together, they explore the pressures kids face in competitive sports, what parents can do to protect their well-being, and how we can bring balance back into their lives. What you’ll hear in this episode: The emotional and physical toll of competitive sports on children Why unstructured free play is just as important as organized sports How parents can make mindful, informed choices about their child’s activities The warning signs of burnout—and how to prevent it Why kids benefit from exploring many activities before specializing in one sport A new perspective on youth sports: focusing on joy, growth, and connection over pressure and competition ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training. Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mindful Mama: Raising Kind, Confident Kids Without Losing Your Cool | Parenting Strategies For Big Emotions & More is a podcast for parents navigating the daily whirlwind of family life. Host Hunter Clarke-Fields speaks from hard-won experience as a former yelling, frustrated mom who transformed her approach. This podcast delves into practical, compassionate strategies for managing children's behavior and helping them regulate their big emotions, all while you work to stay grounded yourself. Each episode offers refreshingly honest conversations about moving from reactive parenting to mindful connection. Listeners will find a blend of actionable advice and mindfulness techniques aimed at bringing more peace to the chaos at home. The focus is on building kindness and confidence in kids without sacrificing your own well-being in the process. Hunter’s journey from anger to mindful guidance forms the core of this supportive resource, making it a relatable listen for anyone feeling overwhelmed. Tune in for a down-to-earth exploration of parenting that prioritizes emotional regulation for both you and your children, fostering a calmer, more resilient family dynamic. This podcast serves as a mentor in your pocket, offering real-world perspectives on creating a harmonious home.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Mindful Mama: Raising Kind, Confident Kids Without Losing Your Cool | Parenting Strategies For Big Emotions & More
Podcast Episodes
Become a Stable Center of Peace - Oren Sofer & Emily Horn [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:25
These are anxious times with schools closing and communities taking action to slow down the spread of the coronavirus. Is the anxiety getting to you? In this special episode, Hunter talks to two meditation teachers, Oren…
The Mental Health Side of Motherhood - Dr. Kat [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Everyone tells new parents to expect sleepless nights—but far fewer prepare them for the emotional upheaval that can come with pregnancy and postpartum. In this compassionate conversation, Hunter Clarke-Fields sits down…
When You're Parenting Solo - Dr. Gila [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:10
In this episode, parenting coach, psychologist, and neuropsychologist Dr. Gila joins us for an honest conversation about the unique challenges—and unexpected strengths—of single parenting. Together, we explore what it me…
Are We Raising Picky Eaters? - Helen Veit [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:45
Are We Raising Picky Eaters? Most parents today assume picky eating is just part of childhood. But what if it’s not? In this fascinating conversation, Helen Zoe Veit joins Hunter Clarke-Fields to explore the surprising h…
How To Be Happier - Gretchen Rubin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:25
Hunter talks to Gretchen Rubin about How To Be Happier. Some big takeaways from this episode include: 1. Make easy changes first — go for the low hanging fruit 2. How do you respond to expectations (inner and outer)? Ans…
The Words That Shape Your Child - Cara Tyrell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:21
What if the way you speak to your child is shaping not just their language—but their identity? In this episode of the Mindful Mama Podcast, Hunter Clarke-Fields talks with Cara Tyrrell, linguist and early childhood educa…