Motivation Through Setbacks: Finding Strength in the Tough Times →

When everything’s going well, performances are improving, training is fun, and progress feels visible, motivation flows easily. But when your child hits a setback, like an injury or a plateau, that same motivation can disappear overnight.

And that’s normal.

What’s important to understand as a parent is that motivation is a feeling, and feelings change. But discipline is a habit, and habits hold steady, even when motivation fades.

Whether your child is facing a minor strain or a longer-term injury, they’re likely to experience frustration, fear of falling behind, or even loss of identity. “Will I lose everything I’ve worked for?” “Will everyone else overtake me?” These are real, valid concerns.

But this is also where some of the most powerful learning happens, if we know how to support it.

Reframing Setbacks: A Parent’s Toolbox

Instead of focusing on what they can’t do, help your child shift their energy to what they can control. This gives them structure, purpose, and a sense of progress even when sidelined.

Here are some practical ways you can help:

 1. Build a “Recovery Routine”

Even without full training, your child can still commit to:

•  Daily rehab exercises (if prescribed)

•  Gentle mobility or activation work

•  Hydration and nutrition to support healing

•  Consistent sleep patterns
  

You might help them tick these off with a simple tracker or whiteboard schedule. The goal is consistency, not intensity.

 2. Encourage Mental and Tactical Development

Use the downtime to grow in other areas:

• Watch game footage together and discuss decisions

•  Listen to podcasts or read books about sport and mindset

•  Keep a short journal reflecting on how they’re feeling and what they’re learning
  

This reminds them that growth is still happening, even if it’s not visible on the scoreboard.

 3. Stay Connected to the Team Environment

Injury can feel isolating. Staying involved — even just attending training or helping out on the sideline — reinforces that they’re still part of something.

Being around their teammates also helps maintain motivation and connection, especially when they’re missing the joy of play.

 4. Normalise Setbacks; Don’t Catastrophize

Reassure them that:

• Every athlete at every level faces injury at some point

• Setbacks are temporary, even long ones pass

• Their identity as an athlete isn’t defined by current ability

Say things like:

“You’re not starting from scratch, you’re starting from experience.”
“Let’s focus on what you can do today.”

Key Message: Control the Controllables

Motivation will come and go. That’s just part of the journey. But choosing to focus on controllables, movement, mindset, recovery habits, and support systems is where progress truly lives.

Your role as a parent isn’t to push them to “stay motivated,” but to help them build the kind of discipline and perspective that lasts long after the setback is over.

Because when they return, whether in two weeks or two months, it won’t just be their body that’s stronger. It will be their mindset.

And that’s what builds lifelong athletes and resilient young people.