Help… My Child’s Got Another Duck!

A duck can feel much bigger than it looks on a scorecard.

In this episode of the Cricket Mind Podcast, Nathan Wood and Briony Brock answer real questions from parents of young cricketers: what to say after another duck, how to help when a child puts huge pressure on themselves, and how to support them through the inevitable highs and lows of the game.

They discuss how parents can be a steady source of support without accidentally making cricket feel heavier — whether that means handling difficult emotions, navigating trials, or balancing the roles of parent, coach, manager or umpire.

In this episode:

What to say — and what not to say — when your child gets out for noughtWhy cricket can feel so individual, even though it is a team sportHow Play-Cricket, statistics and comparison can add pressureHow to support a child who puts huge pressure on themselvesWhat to do when emotions spill over after a poor performanceHow to help a young player approach cricket trials with more clarityThe challenges of being a parent as well as a coach, manager or umpireWhy your child does not need you to be perfect — but does need to know you are on their side

Timestamps00:00 — Supporting young cricketers: the questions parents ask

02:58 — What should you say when your child gets a duck?

05:50 — Why cricket feels so individual

14:20 — When your child puts huge pressure on themselves

21:01 — Anger, tears and meltdowns after poor performances

30:19 — Supporting a child at cricket trials

35:55 — Being a parent, coach, manager or umpire