So...Your Kid Wants To Be A Goalie?

So...Your Kid Wants to Be a Goalie? is the essential guide for every goalie parent who wants to support their young netminder without adding unnecessary pressure, confusion, or chaos to their development. Written by goalie coach, mindset coach, and founder of The Mental Goalie, Coach Austin Christopher, this book breaks down everything parents need to know about raising a confident, resilient, and mentally strong goaltender.

Goaltending is unlike any other position in hockey. The pressure is greater, the expectations are heavier, and the emotional rollercoaster can be overwhelming for both the athlete and the parent. This book gives you a roadmap. With practical tools, tough love advice, and decades of real-world experience, Coach Austin teaches parents how to navigate the complex world of goalie development without micromanaging or burning out their athlete.

Inside you will learn:

• How to support your goalie without adding pressure
  Discover the subtle ways parents unintentionally stress their kids and how to shift toward healthy, process-based encouragement.

• How to build a strong relationship with your goalie
  Create an environment where they feel safe, supported, and motivated to grow through adversity.

• The importance of boundaries
  Learn the distinct roles of coach, parent, and athlete-and why staying in your lane is crucial to your child's long-term success.

• How to communicate effectively with coaches
  Stop the emotional confrontations and teach your child to advocate for themselves with maturity and confidence.

• How to prioritize long-term development over short-term results
  Includes guidance on playing multiple sports, handling tough seasons, and embracing adversity.

• Equipment guidance for every stage
  A complete breakdown of pads, masks, skates, sticks, and sizing so you avoid costly mistakes and keep your goalie safe.

• Mental training tools
  Journaling prompts, visualization guidance, positive self-talk strategies, and emotional regulation skills your goalie can use for life.

• How to protect your goalie's identity
  Help them avoid tying their self-worth to their performance and stay grounded as a human first, athlete second.

This is more than a book about hockey. It is a blueprint for raising strong, self-aware, resilient young people who can thrive both on and off the ice. Whether your child is just starting out or chasing high-level goals, this guide gives you everything you need to support their journey with clarity, confidence, and perspective.

If you want to give your goaltender the best chance to succeed without losing the joy of the game, this book belongs on your shelf.