This is a tough watch as a parent. However, this is one of those challenging conversations we probably need to have with our young athletes as they look to navigate the modern world and the growing impact of technology.
Not all technology is bad, lets be clear about that but there may be some negative aspects when it comes to performance…..
Conversation Starters for Sporting Parents
Inspired by Moby –(Exploring focus, balance, connection, and purpose in modern sport)
Focus & Attention
“Are we truly present in what we’re doing — or distracted by everything around us?”
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“In sport, what things take your attention away from performing your best?”
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“How does your phone or social media use affect your focus before or after training?”
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“What helps you feel most ‘in the moment’ when you play?”
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“Can you think of a time when being fully focused made a difference in your performance?”
Connection & Team Culture
The video shows people surrounded by others, but still feeling alone.
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“What makes you feel connected to your teammates?”
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“When have you seen people at training or games who seem ‘present physically but not mentally’?”
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“How do you think technology helps or hurts real team connection?”
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“What’s one way we could all help build a stronger sense of belonging in your team?”
Mental Health & Balance
Constant pressure and distraction can drain energy and joy — in life and in sport.
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“What parts of sport make you feel most stressed or overloaded?”
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“How do you find balance between training, school, friends, and downtime?”
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“What helps you recharge — mentally and physically?”
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“If you could design the perfect sporting week, what would it look like?”
Identity & Self-Worth
The video makes us question how much of ourselves we tie to external approval.
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“Do you ever feel pressure to post about your sport or performance online?”
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“How do you separate your identity from your results or what others say about you?”
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“What’s something about you as an athlete that social media can’t show?”
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“What makes you proud of yourself that has nothing to do with winning?”
Purpose & Values
Moby’s message reminds us to notice what really matters and act with awareness.
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“What do you think sport is really teaching you about life?”
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“How do your actions in sport reflect your values — teamwork, fairness, effort?”
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“What kind of athlete or person do you want to be remembered as?”
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“If you could send one message to other young athletes about balance, what would it be?”
Sports Parent Tips
Use these questions as open invitations to talk, not tests.
You do not need to ask them all in one sitting either, pick the ones that may be most relevant to you in your current situation.
Listen more than you speak and let your child’s reflections guide the conversation.
The goal isn’t to analyse performance — it’s to explore values, purpose, and joy in sport and getting them communicating.
