How You Talk to Your Kid Matters, Even When You’re Just “Messing Around”.
- “He’s so weak.”
- “She’ll kick your butt.”
- “It’s her first year, she can’t win.”
- “Don’t worry, my son is not that good.”
We say things like this without thinking.
Sometimes it’s a joke.
Sometimes it’s to lighten the mood.
Sometimes it’s just what everyone else says.
But words are seeds, and every time you speak, especially as a parent, you’re planting something deep into your child’s subconscious.
And guess what?
They grow.
The Science Behind Your Words
The subconscious mind doesn’t have a filter. It doesn’t know when you’re joking.
Every time you say:
- “He’s not strong.”
- “She’s not ready.”
- “It’s just for fun, we don’t expect much.”
- “He always comes out flat first match.”
You’re watering seeds of:
- Doubt
- Fear
- Insecurity
- Lack of courage
- False belief systems
These thoughts become habits of thinking, and then, they shape your child’s identity.
They become the reason your kid hesitates in the final period.
They become the voice in their head that says, “You’re not good enough.”
You Think You’re Encouraging? Here’s the Twist.
Even saying:
“You better win this one.”
“That kid’s easy.”
“Don’t lose to him again.”
These comments create performance anxiety, fear of failure, and a toxic standard of love based on results.
You’re trying to help.
But instead, you’re attaching their worth to winning.
And every time they don’t win, they feel like they’re not enough.
What Should You Say Instead?
- “I love watching you wrestle.”
- “You’re getting better every day.”
- “What did you learn today?”
- “I’m proud of your effort.”
Speak life.
Speak strength.
Speak belief.
Because your voice becomes their inner voice.
Think This Is Small?
This is one of the most important things we teach inside the Wrestling Parent Masterclass.
Most parents never realize they are the ones holding their child back, not because of effort, but because of energy, language, and identity.
Your child’s mindset is being shaped right now.
The question is:
Are you shaping a champion, or someone who doubts their own worth?
If you care about getting this right, join hundreds of other wrestling parents inside the Wrestling Parent Masterclass.
We break this down and give you the blueprint.
Go here now: https://www.wrestlingparent.com/opt-in
Spots are limited.
Be The Best… always! (on and off the mat)
Georgi I. Ivanov
Olympian | Mentor