When Schoolmates Tease Your Children Because of Your Results: How to Support Them and Handle It as a Family

 👉 Being an athlete means people watch your every move — wins and losses. 

👉 But what most people don’t realize is that your children often feel that pressure too. 

👉 If you miss a goal, lose a match, get injured, or have a bad game, your kids may be teased, mocked, or made to feel embarrassed — even though they had nothing to do with it.

💥 Here’s how to support your kids when schoolmates tease them about your career, and how to help them stay confident in who they are.

1. First: It’s Not Their Fault — And It’s Not Yours Either

👉 If you’re thinking:

🚩 “If I didn’t play this sport, my kid wouldn’t have to go through this.” 

🚩 “I wish I could protect them from all of this.” 

🚩 “Maybe I’m being selfish chasing this career.”

💥 Pause. This is not your fault. 

✅ The people teasing your child are wrong — period. 

✅ What matters is how you help your child handle it — and remind them they are loved and valued no matter what.

2. Why It Hurts Your Child So Much

👉 When kids get teased about your results, they feel:

🚩 Embarrassed — like they have to explain or defend you. 

🚩 Angry and helpless — because they can't control what people say about their parent. 

🚩 Ashamed — especially if they feel like your "bad day" reflects on them. 

🚩 Alone — like no one else understands what it feels like.

💥 These feelings are real — and they need your help to work through them.

3. How to Talk to Your Child About It

👉 Be honest, open, and gentle — let them share without shame.

✅ A. Start the Conversation

💬 “I know sometimes people talk about my games or results. Has anyone said anything to you at school?”

💬 “I want you to know, if anyone ever teases you because of me, you can always talk to me about it.”

💥 Give them permission to share what’s happening.

✅ B. Remind Them It’s Not Their Job to Defend You

💬 “You don’t need to explain or defend me to anyone. What happens in my games is my responsibility — not yours.”

💥 Take that weight off their shoulders.

✅ C. Reassure Them of Their Value and Identity

💬 “You are amazing and important — because of who you are, not because of what happens in my games.”

💥 Help them separate your career from their self-worth.

4. What to Teach Them to Say Back (Without Escalating)

👉 Give them simple ways to respond to teasing:

💬 “That’s not my game — I’m not the one playing.” 

💬 “I’m proud of my parent no matter what — now can we talk about something else?” 

💬 “That’s between you and them. I’m not getting into it.”

💥 Teach them to set boundaries, but not engage in fights.

5. How to Protect and Support Them Beyond the Conversation

✅ A. Talk to Teachers and School Staff if It Gets Serious

👉 If teasing turns into bullying or harassment, schools need to step in.

💬 “My child is being teased about my sports career — we need to make sure they feel safe at school.”

💥 Don’t be afraid to advocate for your child — it’s the school’s job to protect them.

✅ B. Help Them Build Confidence in Who They Are (Outside of You)

👉 Encourage their own passions, hobbies, and interests, so they know they’re more than "the athlete’s kid."

💥 The stronger they feel in their own identity, the less these comments will stick.

✅ C. Monitor Their Online Life

👉 Sometimes the teasing doesn’t stop at school — it can move online.

💥 Help them set boundaries:

• Don’t accept friend requests from strangers.

• Tell you if they get weird or mean messages.

• Limit time on platforms where negativity is strong.

✅ D. Surround Them with People Who Uplift Them

👉 Make sure they have friends, family, and mentors who make them feel good about themselves — people who remind them of their worth.

6. Taking Care of Yourself — Because It Hurts You Too

👉 It’s heartbreaking to know your career makes life harder for your child sometimes.

👉 You need support, too.

✅ Talk to trusted friends, family, or a professional. 

✅ Remind yourself you’re doing the best you can for them — and this life brings opportunities, too. 

✅ Focus on what you can control: being present, listening, loving, and protecting.

7. Final Words — You and Your Child Can Handle This Together

💥 You are a team — and they need to know you’re in their corner no matter what. 

💥 Your love, support, and belief in them are more powerful than anything people say. 

💥 You don’t need to be perfect — showing up and listening is already a huge win.

8. Take These Reminders With You

🛡️ “My child doesn’t have to carry my career on their back.” 

🛡️ “We are a family — and we will face this together.” 

🛡️ “I’m proud of them for being themselves — and I’ll remind them of that every day.” 

🛡️ “We don’t owe anyone explanations — our worth is not up for debate.” 

🛡️ “My child’s mental health matters more than anyone’s opinion about my career.”