Respond when your athlete feels embarrassed
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Learning hub · ParentsParents · Emotional support · Tip · 3 min to use
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Respond When Your Athlete Feels Embarrassed
Embarrassment can make a young person withdraw. Offer dignity and choice before trying to turn the moment into a lesson about resilience.
When to use it
Use this after a visible mistake, an awkward interaction or an unwanted public comment.
Put It into Practice
- Acknowledge the feeling without replaying the incident or insisting that nobody noticed; ask whether they want quiet, company or help with a practical next step.
- Keep the story private and do not use humour at their expense, even when you are trying to lighten the mood or reassure others.
- When the athlete is ready, help them identify what would make returning easier; involve the program if another person's harmful behaviour needs adult attention.
What It Can Look Like
After a mistake during a demonstration, an athlete wants a quiet drive and later asks to practice the setup privately before trying again.
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Take it with you: The immediate aim is to preserve trust and dignity, not to make the athlete explain, laugh about or overcome embarrassment on an adult timetable.