What Is Actually in Your Athlete’s Sports Drink? A Practical Look at Food Dyes, Focus, and Fuel

What Is Actually in Your Athlete’s Sports Drink? A Practical Look at Food Dyes, Focus, and Fuel

What Is Actually in Your Athlete’s Sports Drink? A Practical Look at Food Dyes, Focus, and FuelYelena Gidenko, PhD
Published on: 08/29/2026

Sports drinks can be useful, but your athlete doesn’t need one for every practice. Learn what to look for on the label, when sugar and electrolytes serve a purpose, what the research says about food dyes, and why energy drinks belong in a different c

Sports Parenting + Brain Health
The Sweet Spot of Stress: How to Help Your Teen Athlete Perform Without Pushing Them Into Overdrive

The Sweet Spot of Stress: How to Help Your Teen Athlete Perform Without Pushing Them Into Overdrive

The Sweet Spot of Stress: How to Help Your Teen Athlete Perform Without Pushing Them Into OverdriveYelena Gidenko, PhD
Published on: 08/26/2026

Your teen athlete needs challenge, but too much pressure can shift their attention from performing to worrying about disappointing you. Learn how to find the sweet spot between support, challenge, and unnecessary pressure.

Sports Parenting + Brain Health
Your Athlete’s Brain Is Already in the Race. Are They Training It?

Your Athlete’s Brain Is Already in the Race. Are They Training It?

Your Athlete’s Brain Is Already in the Race. Are They Training It?Yelena Gidenko, PhD
Published on: 08/10/2026

Mental training can help competitive athletes handle pressure, improve focus, and prepare for competition. Try these three practical brain training skills with your athlete this week.

Sports Parenting + Brain Health
Bribing vs. Rewarding: What Paying for Performance Actually Does to Your Athlete's Brain

Bribing vs. Rewarding: What Paying for Performance Actually Does to Your Athlete's Brain

Bribing vs. Rewarding: What Paying for Performance Actually Does to Your Athlete's BrainYelena Gidenko, PhD
Published on: 07/19/2026

Does paying your child for wins or faster times actually help? Learn what neuroscience says about bribing vs. rewarding young athletes and lasting motivation.

Sports Parenting + Brain Health
What Elite Athletes Know About Performing Under Pressure That Applies Directly to Your Life

What Elite Athletes Know About Performing Under Pressure That Applies Directly to Your Life

What Elite Athletes Know About Performing Under Pressure That Applies Directly to Your LifeYelena Gidenko, PhD
Published on: 07/13/2026

Confidence isn't the secret to performing under pressure. Learn how elite athletes regulate their nervous system and how you can apply the same brain-based skills to everyday life.

Neuroplastic HabitsSports Parenting + Brain Health
What Happens in Your Swimmer's Brain When Teammates Cheer

What Happens in Your Swimmer's Brain When Teammates Cheer

What Happens in Your Swimmer's Brain When Teammates CheerYelena Gidenko, PhD
Published on: 06/29/2026

Learn why cheering at swim meets is more than good sportsmanship. Neuroscience shows it boosts performance, strengthens team culture, and benefits both the swimmer racing and the teammate cheering.

Sports Parenting + Brain Health