Car Ride Conversations

Topic: How to Handle Conflict with Teammates or Coaches

In this episode of Confident Calm Clutch Car Ride Conversations, host Valerie Alston focuses on handling conflict with teammates and coaches, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong relationships. Valerie discusses why conflict is normal and offers two actionable pieces of advice: pausing to reflect and cool down before responding, and using empathy and perspective-taking to understand others' points of view. She provides practical steps on using 'I statements' to communicate feelings without blame. Valerie also encourages families to discuss and brainstorm strategies for resolving conflicts more calmly and respectfully. The episode wraps up with thought-provoking questions for parents and young athletes to deepen their understanding and improve their conflict resolution skills.

00:00 Introduction to Confident Calm Clutch Car Ride Conversations

00:23 Understanding Conflict in Relationships

01:20 Why Conflict is Normal and How to Manage It

02:29 Actionable Advice: Pause, Reflect, Cool Down

06:10 Actionable Advice: Empathy and Perspective Taking

09:49 Discussion Questions for Athletes and Parents

11:55 Conclusion and Additional Resources

Discussion questions:

1. Athlete: Can you think of a time when you had a conflict with a teammate or coach? How did you handle it? Follow-up: What would you do differently next time?
2. Parent: Have you experienced a conflict in your own life that you resolved in a productive way? What did you learn from it? Follow-up: How can you share those lessons with your child?
3. Together: What are some strategies we can use as a family to address conflicts calmly and respectfully?
4. Together: How can understanding someone else’s perspective help you resolve conflicts in the future?

Thanks for joining me on Confident, Calm, and Clutch Car Ride Conversations! If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe to the podcast so you never miss a moment. Share it with other parents or coaches who could use a little extra inspiration on the go.

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