From time to time, we like to review some of the books available for parents of college students. There is a wealth of literature available to help parents cope with the transition to college and the changes that occur throughout the college years. We’ve offered some lists of recommended reading, and there is something for everyone. Visit our Resources page for suggestions of important books for college parents and their students.
Raising Empowered Athletes: A Youth Sports Parenting Guide for Raising Happy, Brave, and Resilient Kids by Kirsten Jones is the book you must read if you have a student who is an athlete – or an aspiring athlete.
This guide for parents shifts the narrative in youth sports from the pressure to perform to a more holistic approach, focusing on the emotional, mental, and physical well-being of young athletes. As a former athlete, and as a coach, Jones presents a practical roadmap for parents and coaches to help young athletes become not only successful in their sport but empowered individuals off the field as well.
Jones takes a practical approach to guiding parents and coaches through the delicate process of supporting young athletes. Her core message is clear: youth sports should be about more than winning or producing top-tier talent; they should serve as a tool for developing the character, self-confidence, and resilience of young people. Jones argues that true empowerment comes from fostering an environment where athletes can thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally.
We love that the focus of this book is not on the win-at-all-costs mentality that is at the heart of some much of youth sports. Jones helps parents change their focus to a more well-rounded, holistic view of our athlete’s mind, body and spirit by emphasizing an environment of mental health, emotional well-being and personal growth that will serve our young people throughout a lifetime.
If you are a parent in the midst of trying to navigate the world of youth sports, Raising Empowered Athletes offers the guidance you need to help your student thrive.
About the author:
Kirsten Jones, a Hall of Fame Division I volleyball player from William & Mary in Virginia and 15-year Nike executive is now a motivational speaker, writer, and Peak Performance Coach. Her clients include teen athletes (and their parents), whom she helps learn how to reach their goals and release their limitations. She cohosts the #RaisingAthletes podcast. Kirsten and her husband are raising three athletes themselves. Kirsten also coaches club volleyball and enjoys hiking in the Santa Monica mountains and traveling any time she gets a chance.
What the author has to say about the book:
“Just before a game begins, it’s common for coaches to send their teams onto the field or court with a few final bits of instructions. Here are mine.
First, it’s not about a particular sport. It’s about your son or daughter – and how you can raise him or her to be an empowered human being.
Second, it’s not about the gender of your son or daughter. With some obvious exceptions, much of what I share as an author and sports parenting coach are applicable to both.
Third, it not about socioeconomics. I live and work in Southern California. But if that’s the context I know, I also know that my insight is equal-opportunity stuff, applicable to families regardless of where they live or their yearly income.
Fourth, I have attempted to write a book that, as a parent raising three kids, I’d want to read. It is not an academic treatise. It is, I hope, parent-friendly, written from someone who was a former Division 1 athlete, who coaches athletes on and off the court as well as parents, but who, above all, is a parent of athletes herself.
Finally, it’s not about raising a professional athlete or even a Division I athlete. This is about raising kids who, regardless of how high they climb on the athletic ladder, might become kind, compassionate, confident, well-focused young adults who passionately pursue their goals. Sometimes they will succeed, sometimes they will fail, but my hope is that we raise young people gritty enough that when they do fall down, they dust themselves off and begin anew.”
What others have to say about the book:
“Kirsten Jones has personal and professional experience navigating the world of sports, and her writing will be a valuable source of research, expertise, and guidance for sports families everywhere.”
Jessica Lahey, New York Times Best-selling Author
“We all want kids who will grow into resilient, competent, kind, and brave adults. Raising Empowered Athletes isn’t just for parents who are raising athletes; this book is for all parents who are doing their best, messing it up, saying, ‘I made a mistake, let me try that again.’ Parents who are consistently showing up over and over until they get it right.”
Susie Walton, Indigo Village founder, parenting educator, family coach, and author
“Kirsten’s message on grit to our student-athletes and parents was so powerful. She gave great insights and simple, clear steps that everyone could put into practice immediately.”
Michael Pilawski, director of athletics, Saint Francis High School, Mountain View California
“Kirsten Jones, a celebrated collegiate athlete and performance coach, provides parents with needed perspective and calm advice for bringing up children in the current overly professionalized high-pressured world of youth sports.”
Charlie Firestone, president, Rose Bowl Institute
Be sure to check our Resources Page with a list of over 60 books for college parents. There’s something for everyone.
Note: Some links in our post are for affiliate products. If you use our links, College Parent Central receives a small percentage of your purchase price. This does not change the cost to you. We think it’s only fair to let you know that.
