Making Kindness a Contact Sport w/ Rob Thorsen, Founder of #HT40 & The Shoulder Check Initiative

Raising Elite Competitors

In this episode, we welcome Rob, the driving force behind the Shoulder Check initiative, which aims to foster mental wellness in youth sports. Rob shares insights on the importance of creating safe spaces for athletes to express their feelings and how parents can effectively support their children in managing the pressures of competition.

Key Takeaways:

• Creating Safe Spaces: Learn how parents can establish an environment where young athletes feel comfortable sharing their emotions.
• Identifying Distress: Rob discusses the signs parents should look for to identify when their child may be struggling emotionally, even if they don't outwardly express it.
• Encouraging Open Conversations: Discover practical tips for initiating conversations about feelings during everyday moments, such as car rides or family dinners.
• Essential Resources: Rob outlines crucial resources available for parents in times of crisis, emphasizing the importance of knowing when to seek professional help.
• Building Resilience: Understand how to foster emotional resilience in young athletes by allowing them to express disappointment and frustrations in a healthy way.
• Future of Shoulder Check: Rob shares exciting developments and goals for the Shoulder Check initiative, aiming to integrate its message into sports culture.

Episode Highlights:

[00:01:10] Rob joins the podcast to share his passion for fostering mental wellness in youth sports through his initiative, Shoulder Check.
[00:02:30] He discusses the importance of creating safe spaces for athletes to express their feelings and the role parents play in this process.
[00:04:50] Recognising the signs of distress: Rob emphasizes how parents can better identify when their children may be struggling emotionally.
[00:07:00] Practical strategies for encouraging open conversations during everyday moments, like car rides or casual chats.
[00:10:05] Rob highlights essential resources for parents to access in times of crisis, ensuring they know when to seek professional help.
[00:12:20] The significance of building resilience in young athletes through emotional expression and coping strategies.
[00:15:35] Rob shares exciting developments for the Shoulder Check initiative, including plans to promote its visibility in sports culture
Next Steps:

• Join our FREE Training for Sports Moms - How to Strengthen Your Athlete Daughter's Mental Game so She Believes in Herself as Much as You Do
• Visit our podcast website for more great episodes

Thank you in advance for joining us on our mission and leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

Chapter

1. Raising Mentally Strong Girl Athletes (00:00:00)

2. Creating a Culture of Support (00:08:26)

3. Supporting Adolescent Athletes' Mental Wellness (00:16:30)

4. Spreading a Message of Connection (00:23:42)