Episode 64: Dr. Alicia Naser, Ph.D - Stop Turning the Car Ride Home Into a Therapy Session

How hockey parents accidentally make the mental game harder.

Scott and Jamie sit down with Dr. Alicia Naser, behavioral scientist, board certified behavior analyst, and founder of The Naser Institute for Behavioral Sports Psychology, for a parent-first conversation about pressure, confidence, mistakes, and the ride home from the rink.

Dr. Naser explains why kids need space to make mistakes, why parents should be careful about watching every practice, and how constant feedback can quietly damage the parent-child dynamic. She breaks down what to say after a bad game, how to handle comparison, why “just forget about it” doesn’t work, and how players can build confidence by learning to recover emotionally after mistakes.

In this episode:

• Why the car ride home matters more than parents think
• What to say when your kid is frustrated after a game
• Why comparison can crush confidence
• Why confidence is learned, not something kids are just born with

If your kid is already hard on themselves, this episode might change what you say next.

Disclaimer
This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening to this content does not establish a professional or therapeutic relationship. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare or mental health professional with any questions you may have.

The views and opinions expressed by Dr. Naser are her own and do not represent those of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).

Dr. Alicia Naser - https://www.instagram.com/doctoralicianaser

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