Somewhere between sign-ups, try outs, and endless tournaments, the fun we once felt at our kids’ games can quietly slip away — and sometimes, without realizing it, we Sports MOMS help it happen.

In this episode of MOMs Running Point, I share a personal “sideline face” wake-up call, the surprising difference I felt watching a friend’s child play, and why that matters for our own kids’ joy.

We’ll break down three ways we might be unintentionally adding pressure — turning sports into a job, showing up with unspoken expectations, and making every game feel like the “only chance” for their future. Then, we’ll flip it around with three practical ways to put the fun back in the game — for them and for us. Because when joy takes the lead, everybody wins.

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In Part 2 of our transfer portal conversation, we dig deeper into the current experience Lisa’s daughter is facing as she re-enters the portal for her final year. We talk about the process, the unknowns, and the emotional toll this journey takes on athletes and their families. Lisa shares practical advice for moms—how to support, when to step in, and how to protect your child’s mental and emotional well-being in the middle of uncertainty, pressure, and change.

Please see the link below for the Boot Check in Lisa talked about in the episode:

https://jaefoundation.com/boot-check-certified-businesses/

Thanks for listening to MOMs Running Point.

Connect with MOMs Running Point:
Follow MOMs Running Point on Facebook
Follow MOM's Running Point on Instagram
Click here to sign up for the MOM's Running Point Newsletter!

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out. For immediate support, contact a crisis helpline near you. Call or text 988.

When we hear “transfer portal,” we often think of athletes chasing more playing time or a better scholarship—but that’s not the full story. In Part 1, Lisa Hayes shares her family’s firsthand experience navigating the portal after her daughter faced a toxic team environment and coaching challenges. From the emotional decision to leave, to the unexpected blessings that came from it, Lisa’s honest, empowering perspective sheds light on why transferring isn’t quitting—it’s choosing what’s best for your athlete.

Lisa is the Admin for Baseball Moms and Softball Moms facebook pages and has created an amazing group of sports moms and experts who support, encourage and look our for one another! She does a relentless amount of work to foster a positive atmosphere and goes above and beyond for this group from finding deals and discounts to directing those in need! Well done Lisa!!!