🏆 Dealing With Difficult Parents

5 proven strategies to help you handle tough parent conversations with confidence.

Author

Greg Berge
April 24, 2025

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Here's what's coming: → Dealing With Difficult Parents: 5 keys and strategies to help AND a free resource.

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Dealing With Difficult Parents

Every coach deals with challenging parents.

Unfortunately, it’s part of the job.

Whether it’s playing time, second-guessing coaching decisions, or unrealistic expectations, how you handle these moments shapes your leadership and the culture of your program.

The good news? You can stay in control and protect your team’s culture if you approach it the right way.

Here are 5 keys to help navigate tough parent conversations:

1. Set Clear Boundaries

Parents need to know when, where, and how to communicate with you. Lay it out early.

  • The 24-Hour Rule – No discussions about playing time or concerns until 24 hours after a game. Emotions settle, and conversations stay productive.

  • No sideline coaching – Parents shouldn’t coach from the stands or critique their kids post-game. Your voice should be the one players hear. Share this expectation at your PAC meeting.

Clear boundaries reduce conflict and let you stay in control.

2. Stay Professional (Even When They Don’t)

You’ll get frustrated. You’ll get criticized. Respond with professionalism, not emotions.

  • Stick to facts: “I understand your concern. Here’s how I make playing time decisions…”

  • Don’t engage in personal arguments. Keep your tone calm, and parents are more likely to mirror it.

Your reaction sets the standard for how these conversations go.

3. Listen First, Respond Second

When emotions run high, listening can be the best tool you have.

  • Let them talk. Don’t interrupt.

  • Acknowledge their concern: “I hear you.”

  • Bring the focus back to their child’s growth.

Most parents just want to be heard. A calm, measured response can turn a tense conversation into a productive one.

4. Communicate Before There’s a Problem

What is the best way to handle tough parent conversations? Stop them before they start.

  • Preseason PAC meeting – Set expectations on your philosophy, playing time, and team goals.

  • Consistent updates – A simple weekly email keeps parents in the loop.

  • Address small issues early – Don’t wait for things to boil over.

Proactive communication builds trust and prevents surprises.

5. Keep the Focus on the Athlete

At the end of the day, it’s not about the parent; it’s about the player.

  • Shift the conversation to effort, attitude, and improvement.

  • Show how decisions are made for the team’s benefit.

  • Keep the focus on growth, not just game-to-game outcomes.

When parents see that you have their child’s best interests in mind, they’re more likely to respect your decisions.

🎁 FREE Parent Communication Resource! Download one of my resources from Better Coach OS, a coaching masterclass to transform your coaching beyond the Xs and Os. 

Final Thought

Handling tough parents is never fun, but it’s a chance to model leadership. Set expectations early, stay consistent, and always keep the athlete’s development at the center of every conversation.

Reflective Question: What’s one way you can build stronger relationships with parents this season to prevent future conflicts?

Good Luck!
Greg

P.S. Want to Become a More Confident, Effective Coach?

Handling parents is just one piece of the coaching puzzle. Better Coach OS gives you the tools, strategies, and resources to lead with confidence, covering everything from communication and motivation to leadership and practice planning.

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Contact Me: Greg Berge, [email protected]

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