Parents Need to CHILL with Kid's Sports

Every kid's sports event seems to have at least one of those parents in the stands. While it can be super easy to get passionate about your kid's sports, being the raging parent in the stands does way more harm than good.
Today on Raising Heights with Zach and Tori Roloff we discuss the huge role sports played in bringing us together as a couple, the importance of sports for kids and the real purpose of kids' sports activities. Coaches and parents have a huge role to play in helping our kids find themselves, hone their skills and become more confident, driven individuals - we share our take on how to empower kids with love, support and play.
⚽ How soccer brought us together and why it means so much to our family
⚽ Zach and Tori’s experience in sports (and why Tori stopped playing)
⚽ Why coaches (and parents) need to support both teams and just let kids play
⚽ The true value of kids' sports
Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:42 Peaks and pits
3:49 Soccer, family, and friends
6:57 Competitive soccer and dwarfism
11:08 Sports experiences and memories
17:12 Parenting and intense sports parents
22:29 Youth sports and parental involvement
26:48 Youth sports culture
35:34 Finding the joy amidst the culture
36:52 Baseball: rules and culture
42:17 Moments beyond sports
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Connect on socials, we’d love to hear from you 📲

[@slngander]

Zachary, every kids soccer team would be so lucky to have you

[@paulage1art]

LPBW (editing / scripting/ directing?) didn’t do Zach any justice! He is so much more articulate than LPBW showed the viewers. I LOVE your podcast! You both are so engaging and well spoken and great parents navigating your family in a wonderful journey. Love the open, entertaining and relaxed chats on your podcast!! 🩷

[@90spawg23]

Amy raised her boys so well. Zach is just like her. So driven and passionate.

[@Diligent-dp7gi]

IT LOOKS BETTER Coming from Zach! IT'S MANLY.

[@90spawg23]

@@Diligent-dp7gi Zach and Amy were the men of the fam yes. 😂

[@user-cq4vb5ee5b]

Ya right they lived like pigs. That house was a total mess

[@90spawg23]

@@user-cq4vb5ee5b it was lived in.

[@meggie423]

No, filthy

[@baileymorton2017]

As a coach's wife in a public school, I can absolutely back you up on parents making the whole coaching experience HORRIBLE! You guys are awesome. Thanks for another great episode!

[@zabavnaya-xt8tb]

Tori Roloff is the best thing that happened to LPBW 💚💚💚 I'm so glad you guys have a podcast together

[@patjones5723]

Yesss 💯

[@MH-nz5pd]

Raising Heights. Yes raising kids. But also raising: expectations, standards, life goals, interpretations, skills, love, dreams, talents, experiences etc. That's my interpretation. Moving onward and upward from LPBW.

[@Twdsuperfan2010]

At 19:58 Zac “these little leggies.”😂😂 I laughed so hard. I love these two. I look forward to every Thursday.

[@monikatorres762]

I laughed out loud to this 😂

[@sarah1984sl]

Same 😂

[@laurieblack5792]

Zack, you may be surprised about baseball when J starts to play. I had the same feeling until my grandson left soccer and started playing baseball. Now I’m hooked with baseball and throughly enjoy watching my grandson play. It is as exciting as when he played soccer. Am now a fan of baseball.

[@judycarlson795]

Welcome to the 60's and 70's when our kids could go to the park and play ball or whatever they wanted. Parents were not worried about "stranger danger" and just said come home for lunch and have fun!

[@cindibush8880]

Miss those days 😮😮😢

[@izziebee117]

At my son's first soccer team there was a rule that if a parent shouted, even from the visiting team, then they were banned from the field for a certain amount of months and I totally agree with Zach, some parents are ridiculous and acting as if it is professional soccer instead of just a bunch of 6 years old playing for the fun of it

[@captivate6242]

Those parents just ruin it for EVERYBODY. 100% agree with you both on this stance. There should be a rule, rowdy parents should be escorted out and have to wait in their cars.

[@JuliaXoXoSEAL]

I get it, but who is the one to kick them out and then the poor kids suffer not having them there to watch the game. Parents just need to learn to grow up sometimes...lol xo

[@shannonpolk9366]

What is the worse is when the league begs you to coach because no one else will volunteer then they all attack you when your the only one who stepped up for not knowing exactly what your doing. I’m like then why didn’t you step up. 😂

[@Lagunainkspot]

My 12 yr old grandson and I are still stinging from a bad experience in football. He played for two years. The parents are nuts and act like they are playing for a scholarship. I was the team photographer so I was on the field all the time. I did the same thing for my son 20 years ago. I'm a former Marine so I'm not all that sensitive but this got me. The coach was so cruel to his own child and would encourage kids to hurt kids on the other team. He was so traumatized by this coach that he stopped playing all together. He's found Brazilian Jui Jitzu and enjoys it. Really disappointed in the adults.

[@cindibush8880]

That's just very sad.. but there are psycho coaches out there OUT FOR THEMSELVES. SO SORRY 😮😢

[@heatherklick3667]

I just love seeing the real Zach! So intelligent, well spoken,and just fun to listen to all day. ❤ Tori, you are a great mom and wife! ❤

[@lisad1623]

I agree with Zach, young baseball is brutal. T-ball was the worst, parents yelling "choke up on the bat" and a 5 year old about to cry, how do you choke a bat?😮

[@susantimko4811]

We always had one coach who said “don’t pull your head” I still don’t know what that means and I am an adult… the kids had no idea

[@pennyhazen4763]

M

[@bryansmith1186]

Truth be told, Zach was a better soccer player than Jeremy. Anybody who knows soccer knows this.

[@MaisesMom-ix6yi]

I'm 70 and had the opportunity to play organized sports from the 5th grade on (I attended a Catholic school which - back in those days - was the only place that had organized sports for girls). The parents rarely came to the girls' games, let alone get involved and those that did attend would NEVER engage in any of the behaviors you see now. Sportsmanship was drilled into us as much as the basic rules of the game and that carried over into parents' behavior. Years later, when my children played, that had all sadly changed and now it is far worse. Parents need to stop living vicariously through their children, support the concepts and learning opportunities presented in sports (particularly working as a team) and leave their egos behind.

[@geminifox475]

Love your story ,,, 😊

[@kcotjo]

Zach you are SPOT ON with everything you say about youth sports. We own a local sporting goods store and the parents that come in and tell my husband some of their stories are unbelievable!! So many parents living vicariously through their children and wanting to re-live their past sports experience. Their little 4 yr old is going to be the next greatest player to ever live!!! And the pressure that some of these parents put their children under is so sad. My husband has heard it all. He was also a basketball referee for 20 years so he has dealt with parents endlessly. Tori and Zach keep your attitudes regarding youth sports and you will have successful children in whatever sport they want to play! As I've stated before, you are both wise beyond your years!! Thank you for another great podcast!!

[@user-ob8pb7ji3e]

I think Zach is the perfect type of coach. I hated my kids in sports because if they weren’t up to par they weren’t played. Well how din you know what you will get if you don’t okay a kid. And I hated how mean the parents got. Even the kids tho, I had gone up to my son at a grade school level hockey game and asked why he wasn’t playing and a kid turned around and said “because we want to win”. Such a sad thing when you kid just wants to be in a sport to play and hang with friends.

[@user-hn9gn2qp1g]

Tori is a rock 🌟 star ❤

[@missymyers7043]

“I put a ring on it.” 😂😂😂He’s hysterical! Both of your laughs are infectious! Great episode.❤

[@user-qr9rj8bg7b]

Please Zach read this !!! You are the most common sense person ever and always have been !!!! Love you so much !

[@lindajoyner8231]

Neighborhood parks were the best! Kids would get together to play sports and just have fun. I would love to see neighborhoods built to include decent sized parks where sports can be played. Perhaps kids would be more interested in active fun/play instead of becoming addicted to video games.

[@user-yy1zo2dq2e]

What a precious interaction between a precious couple.

[@tampatomtom1927]

I started doing Peak and Pit in my work meetings with my team

[@mrsdig57]

I love to hear the both of you talking about the time you spend with the kid's. I'm so happy to hear that you don't believe in every kid get a trophy it does a diservice to the kid's thinking that every kid is a winner. Kid's should be able to find their niche in life something they are good at. There's no one that's going to excel in every thing they do. You are wonderful parents with level head's that's where you excel. Love to you all!❤

[@rociotineo6264]

26:00 ! This part right here. Like just quit it. Your here to facilitate practices, tie shoes and blow noses. And the fact that he is now and parent and finds it even more ridiculous is amazing lol. Love these two❤

[@sixbrummetts]

As a mom of a now college athlete and the wife of a coach, I agree with everything Zack is saying. When I think about the kids that played with my son when he was young and how some of the parents talked and acted it showed up in the kids and over time the kids left the game. It is so sad. Even more so in the PNW with our sport as it is small and not many kids know about it and it gets messed up because of the attitude and actions of the group ups. Let kids learn how to win and lose and have good sportsmanship.

[@JenD.]

Nailed this topic. I was hoping you’d talk about this. My husband coaches, and the crazy parents have absolutely ruined a sport that he has loved for almost 40 years.

[@echolong9535]

This is one of my favorite podcasts. I'm a few years younger than your mom and my two daughters are 30 and 32. We were a softball family for over 10 years. My husband was an all-state short stop in Northern CA in his teen years, then blew out his knee and had to quit. From about 6-10, my daughters played rec ball. When they were old enough for U12, we switched to travel ball (competitive). There's a big difference in how fast the game is for sure. My husband only coached travel ball, because rec ball was so slow. Many of the kids weren't even that into it. I think their parents used the rec organization as a baby sitter. In rec ball some of the umpires were in HS, but in travel ball the umpire had to be over 18. I agree 100% about the parents being ridiculous at times. In softball, I would have to say, the worst parents were the pitcher and catcher's parents. They thought for sure their daughter was going to get a full ride scholarship and they were the best. hahaha Although the parents were difficult at times, traveling to tournaments for several years and the friendships that developed over that time were some of my greatest memories.

[@Divinevista]

I almost skipped this episode because I didn’t think I’d enjoy hearing about sports ie. Probably mostly about Zach’s past sports experience but boy am I ever glad a listened. That was a wonderful exchange. You guys did a terrific job and Zach I learned a whole new appreciation of your coaching insights and styles and how it must have benefitted many young people. You guys really need to do more sports-related episodes now. You did a marvellous job with this subject matter. (Zach hasn’t even paid me to say all this!!!). You guys are also adapting well into the podcasting world, learning to listen to what the audience is saying in comments ie more listening, and letting each other finish thoughts and sentences. It’s very interesting to listen to each of your unique opinions which aren’t always what we expect. It helps us really learn to get to know you two individuals. Bravo 👏

[@CindyVan14]

If a baseball player is forced to run from third to home and the catcher has the ball and is standing in the way the runner runs at the catcher and plows into him. The catcher has to maintain control of the ball then the runner is out. If the catcher loses the ball the runner is safe.

[@janebrady1389]

I totally agree with Zachs approach to kids sports terrific family ⭐️👍

[@zabavnaya-xt8tb]

⭐️ Please post more often, I refresh your channel every time in hopes to see a new video

[@cindycox57]

Me too bummed it is only once a week 😅

[@skyangelthefan]

I’m a Nurse, I was taught in Nursing school and from my own personal experience…Text book wise it takes 1 year after a baby is born for the organs inside of the Mother to go back to their original position than another year for the hormones to reregulate to one person and the 3rd year is just over-all the body, mind and life adjusting. If, the hormones do no reruglate to what they were the body goes into limbo shock and post-partum can last longer than 3 year’s. Great podcast/video.

[@heatherklick3667]

Zach, you were always a hero to us. So proud of you and your perseverance. Go Zach!

[@djr6876]

Ive watched Zack on these podcasts and I like his humbleness and his realistic approach to life. Really down to earth guy.

[@kelliteague2505]

I love Zach especially when he talks about soccer coach’s , and he is so right.

[@BesOner]

Awesome episode. I was one of those dad's coaching from the Sideline and kicked out of games. When I learned to just watch, I enjoyed watching my daughter play the sport she loves since she was 4. I have 1 more season left to enjoy her playing in college.

[@jenfehr1]

You are so right. Children should not have to deal with the grown up issues parents sometimes put on them. Sports can teach kids a lot. But it should also be fun for them. Without the fun aspect.. they lose their passion for the sport. The innocence of a child is something we should nurture for as long as we possibly can. Also..You guys seem to be doing such a great job with your kiddos. You should both be incredibly proud. If there is one thing I’ve seen you guys do over and over again, it’s putting your kids/family first. Bravo to both of you!

[@megsjaco]

aww I love the Muellers!!! so glad to know you guys still keep in touch!!!

[@joyspencer3461]

I absolutely loved when my son played baseball from the age of 5 through 17 and my daughter played softball from the age of 4 through 17. It was some of the best times of our lives. They were both amazing pitchers! My kids talk about those memories all the time. I was one of the mom’s that rooted them on but never made a seen or argued. It did nothing but hurt the kids. I coached my daughters teams for 4 years and my sons team for one. Parents can be brutal to the coach and their kids. Zach you are an amazing coach and it’s so special to be apart of your child’s journey. I ♥️♥️♥️ it!

[@peggynunyabinnis1564]

I always tell anyone that has a baby, give it a good 4 years to even start feeling like yourself again! So I am thrilled that you said 2 years you're feeling good!!! You're gonna do amazing with your marathon! 💜💜💜💜❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ love you guys!!! So glad you're doing this podcast!!!

[@nancybarta8167]

4years!!!!!?????????????????Me it was about 3 months.

[@twinkletinkerbell5211]

Love you two! Such level headed accountable individuals! I’m not a sports person but my husband is a volunteer umpire for Little League baseball and Zach scored big with the analogy of youth sports!

[@beverlymather193]

Blessings to you Zac & Tory I am just so proud of you guys for making the decision that you did about the farm👍🏾🙏🏽

[@beckythomas9780]

It is 1:27am and I am binge watching you...And You both Rock!!! As Parents...As mentors... As Human Beings who Give God Glory for Your Holsomness...Keep doing this and sharing your lives with People who have No normalty in their lives!!!

[@user-sg8tf6em5w]

You both are so REAL!!! I LOVE the way you communicate. Sending positivity, peace, love and light!!!

[@texastoast1825]

I love when Zach is allowed to talk. His thoughts & ideas are good.

[@sheilam7652]

I loved this episode. I grew up playing soccer and in fact still play coed. I was so excited when my kids wanted to play. My oldest played for one season, I quickly learned she had zero interest in playing and I had to get her attention when the ball was coming her way for her safety😂 My youngest cried and refused to participate when she had the ball taken away and never made it to team play, she switched to volleyball. There will be no soccer stars in my household and that’s okay.

[@user-xi3js4bl7q]

No No No No......LMAO.....baseball is the BOMB!!! I am 10000% a baseball Mom. I know the game inside and out and have a solid understanding of the game. My son played from the time he was 4 all the way through to 18. His HS won the State Championship his senior year. He did not play through college, which was a bummer for him after playing for 14 years of his life. But to this day (he is not 24) that is our thing. We love to go and sit out at the ballpark and watch baseball. That is what we do as a Mom and Son. We love it!!! Give it a chance, Zach. You will not regret it. Baseball will always be mine and my son's bonding thing and I will forever be THAT baseball Mom.

[@Eblanusa9571]

So nice to hear you speak of other family members

[@amybrooks3783]

Love this conversation about this topic, can relate. Thank you. Fun.

[@MsLally5]

you guys are so fun to listen to...I used to have that kind of energy.

[@jessie4737]

Good Morning Roloffs!!❤ Love seeing ur faces!! Have a great week!!! ❤❤❤

[@jennifer6833]

Really enjoying the podcasts Tori and Zack. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and insights with us.

[@Zimvo2007]

Thank you... we needed this conversation

[@kelleypritchard]

You guys are amazing! I appreciate your hard work and honesty.

[@Kirstenmarie37]

I absolutely loved this podcast episode! As an avid lover of soccer and youth sports, I found what Zach said so relatable. Thank you for your insight! I would totally listen to a soccer podcast by Zach! Go for it!

[@jodilucas1408]

Really loving your podcast and sharing your lives in a different format. Have always admired you both! Keep up the great work! ❤

[@mysticmimi3924]

Oh my gosh, I can totally vibe Zach with the so slow sport. My daughters went from volleyball and one year my youngest went to softball, and I was so bored and blessed that it only lasted one year.

[@lornamiley7030]

Love everything about this episode!!

[@philoakley221]

Love your podcast! Zach, when you laugh it’s contagious. Brings a smile to my face. Many parents could learn a lot from both of you. Keep it up!

[@juanitawalker4836]

I love watching the two of you, you're both great. I totally agree with Zach on this whole topic of sports and parnets..... Keep up the great work Zach..... 💖💖💖💖

[@karynd1756]

You guys brought back many memories of my boys playing sports. I miss those days. We had FUN! Thank you!!

[@alymader]

I love your rants and I loved this episode! My husband and I coach a youth basketball team and see just how crazy youth sports has become. We've watched parents get kicked out of tournaments. We've watched coaches get kicked out of games and then argue with the tournament host. It's insane!

[@kellybdarr1960]

This was great , you are really a great influence on young parents!

[@daleclark8872]

Loved this episode…love them all. I could listen to you guys for hours…seriously! I love to hear your views on all topics. You have a beautiful family and you are great parents!! 🙏❤️🙏

[@ms_mommy3689]

Another great episode. I also love the way Zach thinks. So level headed and sensible.

[@tammycarlos1500]

Love your perspective on youth sports. Very insightful.

[@allyalexandre8315]

Of course we're still listening,- You're an awesome speaker and so refreshing. I love you guys as a couple... Definately a breath of fresh air ❤

[@danagantt4841]

I love you guys and how honest and down home you guys are. Talk about whatever you want. Lifes too short to keep talking about the past that you are trying to get away from. Your family is beautiful and I'll keep you all in my prayers.

[@rosalindamartinez2201]

Your comcast is pure and real life. So great to hear you both❣️❣️

[@debrahartzel2486]

Really enjoy your podcasts!

[@Annette1965]

OMG I love this podcast so much! I feel it’s the real you rather than what we seen on TV. Y’all look really relaxed. I wish the episodes were longer or you did maybe 2 a week! Can’t wait for the next one! ❤

[@pamelacoffos6288]

Love all your podcasts. Yes Zach I was here to the very end and enjoyed it. 😊

[@trueballofwax3077]

No zoning out here!! I watch all your videos to the end! I love you both!! Zach you are so smart about sports which serve you so well as a Dad! TX you two!!!

[@imsharonl2]

I am 70 and love to listen to you both! Love the soccer talk. Looking forward to the baseball rants❤Zach my oldest played sports and also coached youth and was passionate like you. ⚽️⚾️

[@rebeccahorn8418]

I didn’t tune out! I TOTALLY agree with Zac!! Preach it Zac!

[@kailynbrennan1412]

I only saw the thumbnail (I’ll listen soon) and agreed instantly. Parents definitely need to chill when it comes to kids’ sports. They act as though every kid will eventually become a professional athlete. They won’t. Calm down. Let them have fun, socialize with their teammates, and get some good exercise. Beyond that, relax. It’s only a game

[@user-gh2fo9pw2b]

I love Zachs passion and Tori is awesome❤❤ I look forward to your podcasts and so glad you started them! Almost at 100k subs, yayyyy, congrats!!! Enjoy your weekend!

[@lynnrussell9337]

Kudos to the two of you for being such great parents! I enjoy your podcasts.

[@lindarice8876]

Yep,I was listening to the end....love you guys, keep ranting Zach, keep on runnin' girl

[@JamiePaton]

Laughing so hard at the discussion about little kids stretching, so true. Pulling a hammy was never a concern on the playground. (Now in adulthood, we really should be stretching before everything.)

[@monikatorres762]

I literally was like “you kno what I sure don’t have him stretch before soccer 😂😂

[@Mia-cg9em]

I totally relate to this episode. My father was that Lunatic. Football, baseball led to physical fights between t/dads. Sooo embarrassing

[@susancarr4241]

Very good. Love you guys. Look forward to Thursdays.

[@cherylthompson941]

Love these!

[@jerisharpe906]

Good vlog, just not long enough. Love you two, beautiful kids. Happy Easter & God's Blessings to you & your family & friends.❤❤

[@alicedetejas830]

It’s 5am Roloff’s ❤

[@juliewalter-it7ri]

Your awake

[@judithcoe7551]

I like hearing your topics of discussion.❤🎉😊

[@iluvphillip13]

Great episode! You are doing a wonderful job, both with family life AND with sharing your parenting practices, plus always open to learning more. I shared your prior episode with one of my daughters (who has 3 young boys & a little girl who reminds me so much of Lila) and my niece (2 toddler boys), where Tori brings up the "Get to vs. have to" and they both enjoyed it a lot. Thank you!

[@pattysommers3566]

Great podcast. Love watching you two.

[@juliesnell505]

Love this show And the rants 😊

[@annaleefinch7266]

LOVE ❤️ your podcasts. Viewer/subscriber from Virginia

[@user-si6qm8jr6v]

Love the pod! Zack, you are so sweet and caring. You and Tori are the dream team!

[@shellyolheiser3938]

Love you guys! Have a great day!

[@marissafarias735]

I'd totally listen to your soccer podcast, Zac! Go for it! 😊🙌🏽

[@jillh.9617]

Zach, you’re awesome! Such brilliant insight about adults “facilitating” a game among children.

[@kellyemerson997]

Listened to the very end and loved every minute of this!! Love Zach’s take on kids sports ⚽️⚾️

[@normafleming2518]

I love that your shows are just natural family things. No false veneers.

[@tdshopper]

Loved this podcast and listening to all of them. I really like your perspective on kids playing and letting them be kids ❤️🇨🇦❤️

[@susiewomack9104]

Love this!!

[@rlvmommy4106]

Another great show! Thanks guys. I am not a sports person but I agree with everything Zach said...and it's probably the behavior of parents that makes me not want to be a sports person.