How I Stopped Pushing and Helped My Athlete Thrive with Susan Bardack

In this week’s PerformHappy Podcast, I’m joined by sport parent and PerformHappy alum, Susan Bardack, for a real, honest conversation about the rollercoaster of raising an athlete.

Susan shares her daughter Ashland’s journey from gymnastics to D1 college diving, including how they navigated tough mental blocks and the moment everything shifted—when Susan stopped pushing and started trusting.

We talk about the lessons parents often learn the hard way, the impact of pressure (even when it's well-meaning), and how letting go actually helped Ashland find her confidence, joy, and success in sport.

If you're a parent trying to support your athlete without adding stress, this episode is for you.

In this episode, Coach Rebecca and Susan Bardack talk about:

Transition from Gymnastics to Diving.

Navigating Mental Blocks in Sports.

Finding the Right Coaching Fit.

Embracing Patience in Sports.

Choosing the Right College Program.

The Balance of Support and Independence with an Athlete. 

Listening to Fears: Acknowledging Emotions in Sports.

Finding the Right Sport

“It's okay to switch sports.” – Susan Bardack

I'm teaming up with @nike and @ussportscamps to bring you TWO life-changing Confident Gymnast Camps this summer—and your gymnast is invited! Pittsboro, NC — Unify Athletics | July 19th & 20th. Petaluma, CA — Redwood Empire Gymnastics | August 2nd & 3rd. Spots will go FAST!
https://www.ussportscamps.com/welcome/nike-gymnastics-camps-complete-performance-coaching

Learn exactly what to say and do to guide your athlete through a mental block with my new book "Parenting Through Mental Blocks" Order your copy today: https://a.co/d/g990Bur

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Write to me! Email: rebecca@completeperformancecoaching.com

Ready to help your athlete overcome fears and mental blocks while gaining unstoppable confidence? Discover the transformative power of PerformHappy now. If your athlete is struggling or feeling left behind, it's time for a change. Are you ready? For more info and to sign up: PerformHappy.com