Why Your Kid Should Talk to the Coach (Not You!) - With Communication Expert Jen Fry

Nov 8, 2025

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💬 “If your kid’s frustrated about ice time, this episode is your playbook for turning conflict into connection.”

Today, Lee and Mike sit down with Jen Fry — a sports educator, inclusion consultant, and communication strategist who’s worked with organizations like the NCAA, ESPN, and the NFL — to tackle one of the hardest parts of youth sports: communication.

From locker room dynamics to late-night parent frustrations, Jen shares how families, players, and coaches can build trust, transparency, and self-advocacy — even in tough moments. You’ll learn why letting kids use their own voice (even when it’s hard) leads to stronger athletes and stronger humans.

🔥 Episode highlights:

Why “hard conversations” are essential for growth — not something to fear
The right way for kids to ask coaches about playing time
Why parents should journal before talking to coaches (yes, really!)
How to teach advocacy skills as young as age 8
The truth about locker room conflict and team culture
The one thing coaches and parents must stop doing immediately

Whether your child is on the first line or the bench, this conversation will help your family handle emotions, expectations, and communication like pros — on and off the ice.

🎧 Tune in and learn how to turn every conversation into a coaching moment.

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime?Check out our companion blog: Teaching Kids to Communicate in Hockey — Lessons from Jen Fry

#YouthHockey #ParentingInSports #HockeyParents #JenFry #CommunicationSkills #OurKidsPlayHockey #SportsParenting #YouthSports #CoachingCulture

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