One of the most powerful parts of the Complete Player journey is conversation.
The right conversations help players reflect, learn, and build confidence.
The wrong ones can unintentionally add pressure or shut communication down.
This guide gives you simple prompts for both children and parents to help conversations start naturally and positively.
When You’re Starting the Conversation
As a parent, the way you open the conversation sets the tone.
Instead of leading with results or performance, try opening with curiosity and support.
You might start with:
“How did that feel today?”
“What was the hardest part?”
“What are you most proud of?”
“When did you have to keep going?”
“Who did you help today?”
These questions invite reflection without judgement. They tell your child that effort and attitude matter just as much as outcomes.
Questions That Encourage Growth
Once the conversation is flowing, you can gently guide it deeper.
Try asking questions that focus on learning and mindset, such as:
“What helped you push through when it got tough?”
“What would you like to try again next time?”
“What did you learn about yourself today?”
“What do you think helped the team most?”
These questions help children connect experiences to habits and mindset, rather than seeing football as simply winning or losing.
When Things Didn’t Go Well
Some days are hard. Mistakes happen. Confidence dips.
On those days, avoid trying to fix everything immediately.
Instead, try:
“That looked tough. What part was hardest?”
“What do you think you handled well, even if the day didn’t go how you wanted?”
“What would help next time?”
This shows empathy first, then reflection.
Resilience grows when children feel understood, not corrected.
Timing Matters
Not every conversation needs to happen in the car or straight after the final whistle.
If emotions are high, give space. Revisit the conversation later, when things have settled.
Some of the best conversations happen hours later, or even the next day.
Bringing It Back to Complete Player
When a conversation highlights effort, attitude, resilience, or teamwork, that’s your cue.
You might say:
“That sounds like one of the habits we’re working on.”
“That’s something worth recognising.”
This links conversation to reflection, and reflection to progress.
Final Thought
You don’t need the perfect question.
You don’t need a long conversation every time.
If your child feels safe to talk, proud to reflect, and supported to learn, the conversation is already doing its job.
That’s how mindset is built.