This Is About the Kids: Becoming the Sports Parent They Need | Brea Schmidt

What if being a better sports parent isn't about doing more — but about knowing when to step back? Brea Schmidt, founder and creator of The Top Bleacher, joins Todd Merkow for a deeply personal conversation about parenting young athletes through the pressure, emotion and chaos of today's youth sports culture. A lifelong athlete, sports mom of three and mental well-being advocate, Brea shares the family experiences that shaped her approach to sports parenting — including the story of her grandfather "Ducky," who quietly supported her from the top bleacher and became the inspiration behind her platform. Brea and Todd explore the sports-parent ego, why showing up doesn't always mean being in the stands, allowing kids to experience failure and adversity, and the importance of giving young athletes ownership of their sports journey. Brea also shares the powerful story of her eight-year-old daughter experiencing intense anxiety while pursuing competitive gymnastics. The family made the difficult decision to step away, seek support and put the child ahead of the athlete. Her daughter eventually chose to return to gymnastics — healthier, happier and better equipped to understand and communicate what she was feeling. It's a reminder for every sports parent: our kids don't need us to create a perfect sports experience. They need us to be present, intentional and willing to keep the focus where it belongs — on them. As Brea puts it before walking into a game: "This is about the kids." ### In This Episode **00:25** — Welcome to Be Valiant and meeting Brea Schmidt **06:54** — Growing up as a multi-sport athlete and learning to love the game **09:28** — "Ducky," the top bleacher and the power of simply being there **11:52** — The Thinking Branch and Brea's mental well-being advocacy **16:45** — Raising three young athletes in today's youth sports culture **20:58** — Letting a child decide when it's time to leave a sport **22:32** — The pressure parents feel to show up for everything **26:14** — Why showing up doesn't always mean being in the bleachers **28:12** — Why Brea created The Top Bleacher **32:57** — Recognizing the "sports parent ego" **34:58** — Giving kids ownership of their development and room to fail **40:10** — The emotional well-being of the sports parent **45:16** — The pressure young athletes are being asked to handle **45:52** — Brea's eight-year-old daughter and her struggle with anxiety **48:05** — Listening when a young athlete says the pressure is too much **50:16** — Asking for help and caring for the kid behind the athlete **54:41** — Can youth sports be competitive and still prioritize well-being? **56:45** — Creating more happy moments and fewer harmful ones **57:21** — Brea's advice to every sports parent: "This is about the kids" **58:05** — "Be a Ducky" **59:06** — Rapid Fire: sports-parent habits, self-care and being imperfect **1:00:55** — What does Be Valiant mean to Brea? **1:03:37** — Todd's closing message to sports parents The Top Bleacher on Social INSTAGRAM ### FACEBOOK ### Continue the Conversation Watch the full episode and explore additional resources, takeaways and trusted information for sports parents:  **EPISODE PAGE:**  BREA SCHMIDT Visit www.PlayFearless.org for free education, conversations and trusted resources designed to help families navigate the youth sports journey and create more happy moments and fewer harmful ones. Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society **Powered by Valiant Sports Society** **Be Valiant. Play Fearless.** www.PlayFearless.org *Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC.* **Disclaimer:** This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child's health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show. © 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved.