Positive Leadership Tip | Ep 24: My Biggest Regret As a Parent
The Jon Gordon Podcast
Jon Gordon
4.8 • 1.2K Ratings
🗓️ 29 October 2025
⏱️ 1 minutes
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Summary
In this episode of Positive Leadership Tip Wednesday, I reflect on my biggest regret as a parent—too much about my kids' performance after their games instead of letting them savor the moment. I share how focusing on critique can harm their love for the sport and their sense of self, and what I wish I had done differently. Listen in as I offer heartfelt advice on being present, giving love, and supporting your children without judgment. If this message speaks to you, share this episode to help other parents create happier, more empowering moments for their kids.
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | Hey, this is John Gordon with your positive leadership tip of the week. This is a parenting |
| 0:06.9 | tip. And in so many ways, parenting is leadership. And I learned so many leadership lessons |
| 0:12.9 | parenting my kids. My biggest regret as a parent is that I talked on the way home from the game |
| 0:20.1 | they played. I talked about their performance. |
| 0:22.6 | I talked about what they could have done differently, |
| 0:24.6 | how they could have played better. |
| 0:26.6 | I talked too much about the game. |
| 0:28.6 | If I can go back and do it again, I would say just shut up, John. |
| 0:32.6 | Let them enjoy the game, enjoy the moment. |
| 0:35.6 | Talking about it afterwards makes no sense, and it doesn't do any good. |
| 0:40.9 | It actually just makes them feel worse and makes them focus on their identity as a performer |
| 0:45.7 | instead of someone who is just there to love playing and love the sport. |
| 0:51.4 | But I can't change my past, but I can help you be a better parent and create your future. |
| 0:56.3 | So don't talk. |
| 0:57.9 | Just be quiet after the game. |
| 0:59.7 | If they have a question, if they want to ask you, then you talk and you give them an answer. |
| 1:05.0 | Otherwise, be quiet and just love them. |
| 1:08.6 | Make them feel loved. |
| 1:11.2 | That's what they truly want in the end. |
| 1:14.2 | All right. |
| 1:15.1 | Have a great day and happy parenting and happy leadership. |
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