Youth Sports, Select Sports, and Kids' Mental Health
Wed Dec 24 2025
Welcome back to Omaha Mom Talks! Today's episode is all about youth sports and how to protect your child's mental health.
Youth sports can be such a meaningful part of childhood - building confidence, friendships, and resilience. And at the same time, they can quietly turn into a source of pressure, burnout, and emotional stress for
kids and parents.
In today’s episode, I’m joined by Nedu Izuegbunam, Clinical and Performance Psychology Athletic Director at the University of Nebraska Omaha, to talk honestly about what healthy youth sports actually look like, how parents can spot red flags early, and how to support kids’ mental health
without taking the joy out of the game.
This is a warm, practical conversation - no sideline shaming, no perfection required.
In this episode, we talk about:
• The developmental and mental health benefits of youth sports
• The rise of club and select sports and what parents should consider
• Early specialization and long-term athlete development
• Over-scheduling, burnout, and warning signs parents shouldn’t ignore
• How to make the car ride home emotionally safer for kids
• Protecting a child’s identity beyond sport
• What to do when a child wants to quit
Omaha Mom Talks – real moms, authentic conversations, no filter needed.
Connect with Me!!
Reach out to the Omaha Mom Talks Hotline: (402)965-1718
Need advice on a messy mom moment, wondering how to set a boundary, or want to share a mom win? Give me a call and leave a voicemail. You might hear your message on the next episode!
Visit my website
https://www.jessiegutierreztherapyservices.com/
Follow me on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/jessiegutierrez_/
https://www.instagram.com/omahamomtalks?igsh=cTFqYm1sMHNjaHhn
Please subscribe, rate, and review this episode.
Have thoughts on this episode or ideas for a future episode? DM me - I would love to hear from you! Omaha Mom Talks - real moms, authentic conversations, no filter needed.
This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to Hurrdat ONE Website or visit Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
More
Welcome back to Omaha Mom Talks! Today's episode is all about youth sports and how to protect your child's mental health. Youth sports can be such a meaningful part of childhood - building confidence, friendships, and resilience. And at the same time, they can quietly turn into a source of pressure, burnout, and emotional stress for kids and parents. In today’s episode, I’m joined by Nedu Izuegbunam, Clinical and Performance Psychology Athletic Director at the University of Nebraska Omaha, to talk honestly about what healthy youth sports actually look like, how parents can spot red flags early, and how to support kids’ mental health without taking the joy out of the game. This is a warm, practical conversation - no sideline shaming, no perfection required. In this episode, we talk about: • The developmental and mental health benefits of youth sports • The rise of club and select sports and what parents should consider • Early specialization and long-term athlete development • Over-scheduling, burnout, and warning signs parents shouldn’t ignore • How to make the car ride home emotionally safer for kids • Protecting a child’s identity beyond sport • What to do when a child wants to quit Omaha Mom Talks – real moms, authentic conversations, no filter needed. Connect with Me!! Reach out to the Omaha Mom Talks Hotline: (402)965-1718 Need advice on a messy mom moment, wondering how to set a boundary, or want to share a mom win? Give me a call and leave a voicemail. You might hear your message on the next episode! Visit my website https://www.jessiegutierreztherapyservices.com/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jessiegutierrez_/ https://www.instagram.com/omahamomtalks?igsh=cTFqYm1sMHNjaHhn Please subscribe, rate, and review this episode. Have thoughts on this episode or ideas for a future episode? DM me - I would love to hear from you! Omaha Mom Talks - real moms, authentic conversations, no filter needed. This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to Hurrdat ONE Website or visit Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices