After a loss. What to say.
What to say after a loss. The script that keeps the car ride from making a tough game feel even worse.
What they're feeling
- · Disappointed and maybe a little flat.
- · Ready for the game to be over, including in conversation.
- · Watching to see how you're handling it.
- · Possibly carrying guilt if they feel they cost the team.
What to say (pick one)
- "Tough game."
- "I'm proud of how you competed."
- "Hungry?"
Then stop talking.
What not to say
- "You guys really should have won that."
- "Your coach's substitutions lost that game."
- "You need to work on your defense before next week."
The rule
Give it 20 minutes before any conversation. The silence ride is okay.
If they bring it up
- · Let them talk about what happened without redirecting.
- · Ask what they want to work on. Not what went wrong.
- · If they want to vent about a teammate, hear it and don't pile on.
Pin this
After a loss
- · Keep the car quiet unless they start the conversation.
- · One affirming line. Then food.
- · Analysis can wait 24 hours.
parentcoachdesk.com/scripts
You might also need
Your kid had a bad game. Here's what to say.
What to say in the first 90 seconds when the game went badly. The script that protects the relationship and the rest of the week.
After a championship loss. What to say.
What to say when the season ends with a championship loss. The script for when there's no next game to look forward to.
When your kid blames the coach. What to say.
What to say when your teenager is blaming the coach. The script that keeps the relationship with the coach intact while still hearing your kid out.