Beyond the Win: Tips for Parenting Young Athletes & Dancers | Dr. Chelsea Pierotti
Need some tips on parenting your athlete or dancer? Dr. Chelsea Pierotti joins Dr. Amy and Sandy on this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast to reveal the psychology behind peak performance and what parents can do to help—and sometimes, what they should stop doing.
Drawing from her background as both a sports psychologist and professional ballet dancer, Dr. Chelsea shares why dancers face unique mental challenges as “artistic athletes.” Unlike team sports with constant reactions, dancers follow choreographed routines that leave dangerous space for overthinking. She explains why even elite performers need strategies to stay present while letting physical skills flow automatically.
The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Dr. Chelsea unpacks why training for unexpected difficulties builds genuine confidence. Just as Olympic champion Michael Phelps practiced with broken goggles, dancers need to experience music cuts or costume malfunctions in practice to develop true resilience. This “training for the rare” teaches athletes they can handle anything—a skill that transfers far beyond performance.
Parents will particularly appreciate Dr. Chelsea’s clear guidance on their proper role in youth sports. She advises parents to be supportive managers handling logistics, while gradually teaching children to communicate directly with coaches. Her mantra “control the controllables” helps athletes focus exclusively on their attention, actions, and effort—letting go of judges, referees, and other external factors they cannot change.
Perhaps most valuable is our discussion of redefining success beyond winning. By focusing on the “gain” (progress made) rather than the “gap” (distance from perfection), athletes develop healthier mindsets and lasting motivation. The 1% rule she shares demonstrates how small daily improvements compound into remarkable growth.
Ready to help your young performer develop mental toughness that serves them in competition and beyond? Listen now and discover how to support the journey of your athlete or dancer without stepping into the coach’s lane.
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