Despite growing awareness, many of us are still not as open as we could be when it comes to talking
about mental health. We’re often confused by labels, unsure of what they mean, and we tend to nod,
smile, and carry on without genuinely checking in on our mental state or considering how we can protect
and nurture it.
So, this week, I dare you to really think about it — not just for yourself, but for your children too.
As parents, it’s all too easy to forget about ourselves. We’re so focused on our kids’ needs that we lose
sight of the small things that make us feel good. The week fills up quickly with activities for them, and
suddenly we’re glorified taxi drivers (more on that below!).
We often say, “I don’t have time for…” —
whether it’s an exercise class, reading a book, or calling a friend — because we have to do X, Y, and Z.
But here’s the truth: “Have to” is unhelpful language. More often than not, it’s simply not true. You’re
choosing to do those things — and that shift in mindset is powerful. It gives you back control. Be mindful
of the language you use with yourself. Words like “should” and “must” rarely serve us well.
Here are three simple steps to take this week:
Audit your time
You don’t need to overhaul your life — just find two hours in your week for activities that support your
mental health. Be honest about where your time goes (yes, including time on social media). Use the
template attached to help review your schedule.
Model healthy behaviour
Our children need to see us prioritising our own mental health — that’s how they learn to do it for
themselves. Be a model, not a martyr. Start a conversation about what you’re doing this week to take
care of yourself. Then flip the question: What do they need for their own mental health?
Use your travel time
Whether you’re commuting or chauffeuring kids around, use that time intentionally. You could:
• Practice breath work
• Do some exercise
• Play uplifting music
• Repeat positive affirmations
• Call a friend or family member whose energy helps you feel good
Ask yourself: What are you feeding your mind?
Let’s shift the narrative. “Mental health” isn’t a negative — it’s the goal. We want to be mentally healthy,
not just avoid mental illness.
Here’s a reflective task to help you this week and beyond:
Imagine you’re having a great week, feeling calm, content, and mentally strong.
• Who are you spending time with?
• What environments are you in?
• What are you eating?
• What media are you consuming?
• How are you spending your mornings, afternoons, and evenings?
Now, look ahead to this week:
• What do you need to add in?
• What do you need to take away?
This week, give yourself permission to prioritise your mental health — because your mind deserves the
same care and attention you give to everyone else.
In this episode Associate Dean at University Campus of Football Business(UCFB) and author Richard Elliott joins Gordon MacLelland to discuss ‘Supporting Mental Health in Young Athletes’ and what that potentially means for us as sporting parents.
During the conversation they discuss amongst other things:
- Mental health operating on a continuum, much like physical health
- Establishing a distinction between everyday struggles (“bad days”) and long-term mental health issues
- The importance of parents aligning their expectations with their child’s motivations for playing sport
- The unpredictability of elite sport meaning that effort doesn’t always lead to success
- Recognising that adolescents go through significant neurobiological changes, making them more prone to mood swings, anxiety, and emotional extremes
- The importance of talking and normalising conversations about feelings and mental health
- Helping our sporting children develop coping mechanisms for setbacks, just as they would for physical injuries
- Being an emotional anchor as a parent, not just a second coach or critic
Richard Elliott is Associate Dean at University Campus of Football Business (UCFB). He has spent more than twenty years researching the lived experiences of elite athletes and the environments in which they work. He is the co-editor of Football and Migration: Perspectives, places, players (Routledge, 2014), editor of The English Premier League: A socio-cultural analysis (Routledge, 2017), and author of Mental Health and Sport: Supporting Elite Athletes (Routledge, 2024). An advocate for mental health literacy, Richard has developed a number of successful education programmes designed to support the mental and emotional wellbeing of elite athletes.
To find out more about the topic you can buy Richard’s book here:
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