News
September 08, 2025
Dear Annie: Mom employs ‘power of pause’ to help sports coach dad control emotions after games
She asked her husband to refrain from discussing kids' games for 48 hours. And it worked.
## The "Power of Pause": How One Mom Helped Her Husband Keep His Cool After Kids' Games
For many parents, watching their children compete in sports is a rollercoaster of emotions. Joy, pride, frustration, and even anger can surge as they cheer from the sidelines. But what happens when those emotions spill over, particularly for the coaches who are also parents? One mom, writing to the advice column "Dear Annie," found a unique and effective solution to help her husband, who coaches their children's sports teams, manage his post-game reactions.
Instead of letting heated discussions or criticisms erupt immediately after a game, she implemented a simple yet powerful strategy: the "power of pause." She asked her husband to refrain from discussing the game with her or the children for a full 48 hours after it concluded. This cooling-off period, she explained, allowed everyone involved to process their feelings and approach the topic with a calmer, more rational perspective.
The impact of this 48-hour rule has been significant. According to the letter writer, the "power of pause" has been remarkably successful in preventing emotional outbursts and fostering a more supportive environment for their children. By delaying the discussion, the husband has time to reflect on the game, identify areas for improvement without placing blame, and ultimately communicate more constructively with his team and family.
Experts often emphasize the importance of emotional regulation, especially in high-pressure situations like youth sports. While passion and enthusiasm are valuable, unchecked emotions can lead to negative consequences, including damaged relationships and discouraged athletes. This mom's innovative approach offers a practical and easily implementable tool for parents and coaches alike.
The "power of pause" isn't just about avoiding conflict; it's about creating space for thoughtful reflection and constructive dialogue. It encourages a shift from immediate reactions to measured responses, ultimately benefiting everyone involved in the competitive arena. It's a testament to the power of simple communication strategies in navigating the complex world of youth sports and family dynamics. This mom's advice is a valuable reminder that sometimes, the best response is no response – at least not right away.
For many parents, watching their children compete in sports is a rollercoaster of emotions. Joy, pride, frustration, and even anger can surge as they cheer from the sidelines. But what happens when those emotions spill over, particularly for the coaches who are also parents? One mom, writing to the advice column "Dear Annie," found a unique and effective solution to help her husband, who coaches their children's sports teams, manage his post-game reactions.
Instead of letting heated discussions or criticisms erupt immediately after a game, she implemented a simple yet powerful strategy: the "power of pause." She asked her husband to refrain from discussing the game with her or the children for a full 48 hours after it concluded. This cooling-off period, she explained, allowed everyone involved to process their feelings and approach the topic with a calmer, more rational perspective.
The impact of this 48-hour rule has been significant. According to the letter writer, the "power of pause" has been remarkably successful in preventing emotional outbursts and fostering a more supportive environment for their children. By delaying the discussion, the husband has time to reflect on the game, identify areas for improvement without placing blame, and ultimately communicate more constructively with his team and family.
Experts often emphasize the importance of emotional regulation, especially in high-pressure situations like youth sports. While passion and enthusiasm are valuable, unchecked emotions can lead to negative consequences, including damaged relationships and discouraged athletes. This mom's innovative approach offers a practical and easily implementable tool for parents and coaches alike.
The "power of pause" isn't just about avoiding conflict; it's about creating space for thoughtful reflection and constructive dialogue. It encourages a shift from immediate reactions to measured responses, ultimately benefiting everyone involved in the competitive arena. It's a testament to the power of simple communication strategies in navigating the complex world of youth sports and family dynamics. This mom's advice is a valuable reminder that sometimes, the best response is no response – at least not right away.
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Politics