💣 Parents Can Ruin a Talented Kid Faster Than a Bad Coach

Saturday morning. The kid takes a shot.

Dad adjusts his sleeve, muttering, “Bend your knees, focus!”

Mom’s zoomed-in camera shakes with every missed shot.

When the ball hits the rim, her sigh is louder than the whistle.

The kid forces a smile. Looks up at them.

And just like that, the game’s over. What follows is just stress with sneakers.

A bad coach might teach you poor technique.

But a parent who adds pressure every day can make you hate the sport you once loved.

When every move feels like a test of love or approval, the joy of playing disappears, replaced by the fear of disappointing.

And from there, the road to “I quit” is surprisingly short.

The child doesn’t need another critic. They already have one in their head. They need their biggest fan and silence.

When was the last time you clapped without analyzing?

This isn’t about anger, it’s about how love can slowly turn into control.

He doesn’t need to hear the words. He already knows what they mean.

Comparison kills identity.

He still loves the game. He just forgot how it felt.

His body stayed on the bench, but his heart had already left the game.

Peace. Freedom. Growth.