Helping kids with ADHD thrive on and off the field.
I’m Dr. Carey Heller (aka Coach Carey) and I share actionable tips for parents and coaches to help kids master executive functioning through sports and life.
Have fun and good luck to all athletes in their games today. Being prepared can reduce stress beforehand and in turn improve performance as well as enjoyment for kids and parents. Take a few minutes to get organized before this weekend’s games.
As parents, we want the absolute best for our kids. We want to see them succeed, try their hardest, and—most importantly—enjoy the game. But sometimes, our well-meaning advice, pre-game pep talks, or post-game critiques can accidentally feel like a ton of added pressure.
Every child processes sports environments differently. What feels like “motivation” to us can easily spiral into performance anxiety or overwhelm for them, especially if they are already working hard to regulate their focus and emotions.
Before the weekend games kick off, take a step back and map out how you want to show up for your athlete:
The Pre-Game Car Ride: Keep it light. Focus on fun and effort, not outcomes or strategy.
During the Game: Be their biggest fan, not their second coach. Positive encouragement always wins.
The Post-Game Wrap-up: Let them lead the conversation. If they want to talk about the game, listen. If they want to get ice cream and talk about something else, follow their cue.
Our kids don’t need perfect performance; they need a safe, supportive landing pad—no matter what the scoreboard says. Let’s carry that mindful support from the sports field straight into their day-to-day lives.
Drop a 🧠 or a ⚾️ in the comments if you’re focusing on supportive parenting this weekend!
SportsParenting CoachingKids EmotionalRegulation MindfulParenting outhAthletes
05/28/2026
Spring sports are in full swing and summer sports are around the corner. If your young athlete with ADHD is struggling to keep up with the demands of their team, now is the time to act!
For a limited time, get 30% OFF the Game On with Coach Carey: A Psychologist’s Playbook for Helping Kids with ADHD Thrive in Team Sports on-demand course. Learn practical, psychologist-backed strategies to help your child manage their focus, time, and team dynamics.
Get the complete playbook for just $16.00 (was $24.00).
Use code: DA6ZZWQ
Link in bio to enroll and start winning both on and off the field!
Are we raising great players, or great humans? 🏒⚽️
It’s easy to get caught up in the stats, the scores, and the skills. But at the end of the day, youth sports should be about building character.
Like Adam Banks said in The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers, it wasn’t just about learning how to play the game—it was about wanting to be a better person.
Coaches and parents: Are we helping our kids thrive on and off the field, court, or ice? Let’s focus on building resiliency, teamwork, and kindness.
👇 What life lesson did you learn from sports that you still use today? Drop it in the comments!
Follow for tips and resources.
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⚾ Little League or Travel Ball? The Debate is Real! 👇
Figured a good time to focus on this since some leagues have tryouts in the next week or two.
This reel is from an awesome podcast episode I recently had with and we discussed this topic.
From my perspective, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s the truth: There is absolutely no rush to make the jump. Local recreation and Little League offer incredible benefits that you can’t replicate anywhere else. It’s about building deep roots in your community, playing side-by-side with school friends, and making memories right in your backyard. 🌲❤️
So, when is the right time to think about travel ball?
The Skill Gap: When your child is no longer being challenged and needs a higher level of competition to keep developing.
The Commitment: When they are showing a genuine desire to take the game more seriously and want a higher-intensity environment.
Remember, it’s not just about talent—it’s about what’s right for the individual kid and the family (time-wise and financially!). Cherish the community, enjoy the local games, and let them fall in love with the sport at their own pace.
What’s your take? Are you team Little League, team Travel Ball, or somewhere in the middle? Drop your thoughts below! 👇
YouthSports BaseballDad BaseballMom SportsParenting RecBaseball CoachingBaseball
05/19/2026
Missing a play is not a reflection of worth as an athlete. It’s part of the game. Our brain’s ability to shift attention (cognitive flexibility) is what really sets players apart!
When a mistake happens, don't let it become a sticky thought. Instead, teach your players to physically or mentally "dump" the bad play and immediately focus on the next moment. Help them understand that you can’t change the past, but you can control your contribution to the next pitch, pass, or possession.
Remember: Resilience is built one missed play at a time. Keep your kids' heads up and get ready for the next opportunity!
Does your athlete struggle to regroup after a mistake? ⚾️⚽️
Low frustration tolerance is a hallmark of ADHD, but sports provide the perfect “laboratory” to fix it. When kids are motivated by the game, they’re more receptive to learning emotional regulation tools than they are at home or school.
We use the sports buy-in to build skills that eventually translate to better focus and resilience in all areas of life. 🧠💪
📍 Based in Bethesda, MD | Remote sessions available. 🔗 Check out the link in bio for my Online Courses!