Carrie Gilmore

Raising Kids in a Coaching Household. If you grew up in a coaching household, you know it’s a unique experience. It’s not like most families. There are long hours, sacrifices, and some tough days. But if you’re lucky enough to raise kids in a coaching household, you give them something special. Coaching families have a front-row seat to some of life’s most important lessons. Here are 7 of them: 1. RESILIENCE AND HARD WORK ARE NON-NEGOTIABLE Coaching isn’t a 9-to-5 job, and kids of coaches learn that early on. They see the late nights, the tough losses, and the prep work that goes into every game. They watch you break down film, take calls from parents, and come back from tough games with a plan. They learn resilience not because you sit them down and teach it but because they witness it. And they learn that hard work isn’t something you do once in a while - it’s part of who you are. 2. THEY LEARN THE VALUE OF TEAMWORK AND SELFLESSNESS Kids in coaching families see what it means to put the team before yourself. They hear you talk about sacrifice, unselfish play, and lifting others up. They come to understand that individual success is only part of the equation and that the greatest accomplishments happen when people work together. They learn that life isn’t just about what they achieve but how they can contribute to something bigger than themselves. 3. THEY WITNESS THE POWER OF POSITIVE ATTITUDE In sports, a positive mindset is everything, and as a coach, you model that every day. Your kids see you handle wins and losses with grace. They watch how you encourage players, bounce back after hard games, and find ways to improve. And over time, they internalize that attitude - the belief that no matter the circumstances, you can find a way forward. They learn that a positive attitude is a choice that shapes every outcome. 4. THEY ARE EXPOSED TO REAL-LIFE PROBLEM-SOLVING Coaching is constant problem-solving. How to handle an injured player, how to break a losing streak, how to motivate a discouraged team - your kids are around it all. They see you make decisions under pressure, analyze situations, and adapt. They learn that life’s problems don’t go away, but they improve with effort, critical thinking, and a willingness to learn. This skill - facing challenges head-on - will serve them well in every aspect of their lives. 5. THEY UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF INTEGRITY AND CHARACTER Coaches don’t just teach skills; they teach character. You talk about doing the right thing, being honest, and treating others with respect. Your kids hear those conversations and watch you model them. And they learn that, at the end of the day, character matters more than stats or awards. They see firsthand that true success comes from being the kind of person who keeps their word and puts others first. 6. THEY GROW UP WITH A COMMUNITY AROUND THEM A coaching household isn’t just family - it’s a community. Your kids get to be around a team, see players grow, and celebrate the wins together. They build friendships with players and families. They grow up knowing they’re part of something bigger, with people who care about them. And when they see your impact on others, they understand that success isn’t just about what you do; it’s about the difference you make in others’ lives. 7. THEY SEE PASSION IN ACTION Coaching isn’t just a job; it’s a calling. And your kids get to see what it looks like to be passionate about your work. They see you go above and beyond, care deeply, and invest everything into helping others succeed. They learn that work isn’t just a means to an end - it’s a chance to make a difference. When they see your passion, it inspires them to find theirs and pursue it with the same dedication. Final Thoughts: Growing up in a coaching household means seeing life from a different perspective. Your kids witness the ups and downs, the challenges and victories. They learn resilience, teamwork, integrity, and passion - qualities that can’t be taught in a classroom. And as they get older, these lessons stay with them, shaping them into people who value hard work, kindness, and commitment. So, if you’re raising kids in a coaching household, know that you’re giving them a gift. They’re learning, growing, and developing in ways that will impact them for a lifetime. Coaching might be a demanding profession, but it also gives back in ways that are truly priceless. And in the end, you’re not just building a team - you’re building a family filled with lessons that last far beyond the season. Choose to Coach.