The Car Ride Home

And Other Critical Moments in Youth Sports

Seventy percent of kids have quit youth sports by the age of thirteen, and author Mike Bergstrom believes the most crucial part of that problem happens after the final whistle: the car ride home.

In this heartfelt and humorous book, Bergstrom draws from his own experience as a coach, a parent, and a grandparent to share stories of both his triumphs and his mistakes. This book is not a lecture on what parents are doing wrong; it is a candid and insightful look at the common pitfalls that can make youth sports a stressful experience for kids. It challenges parents to engage in self-reflection on everything from sideline behavior and communication with coaches to the emotional impact of comparing children to their teammates.

The Car Ride Home is an invitation to put a different kind of playbook into action—one that prioritizes a child's love for the game over winning. It's a powerful guide for parents who want to ensure their kids have fun, build confidence, and, most importantly, stay in the game longer.