PARENTING WITH PURPOSE – Raising Resilient Athletes — Not Pressured Ones

By Jacqueline P. Cheng

Spring often marks a shift for families, with longer days, packed schedules, and a renewed focus on youth sports. Fields fill up, gym bags reappear, and calendars begin to revolve around practices and games.

Sports can be incredibly powerful for children. They build confidence, discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Yet somewhere along the way, what begins as play can quietly turn into pressure, and that’s when we start to see the emotional cost.

As a family lawyer and parenting coach, I’ve worked with countless adults who once loved their sport — until they didn’t. The patterns are consistent, as what children experience on the field often follows them long after childhood ends.

When Pressure Replaces Play

Children thrive when challenge is paired with enjoyment, but when pressure takes over, the nervous system shifts from learning to survival. Pressure can come from many places: coaches, parents, peers, or the child themself.

Research shows excessive performance pressure activates stress responses that interfere with confidence, motivation, and emotional regulation. Instead of focusing on growth, kids begin to focus on not messing up. This often leads to one of the most common struggles young athletes face — the fear of mistakes.

Mistakes are essential for learning.

Yet many children internalize errors as failure, worrying they’ve let the team down or disappointed adults they care about. Over time, this fear can drain joy from the sport and replace it with anxiety.

Children who fear mistakes don’t play freely. They play cautiously, and this type of play is rarely joyful.

Burnout Isn’t Just Physical — It’s Emotional

Burnout doesn’t happen overnight; it builds quietly through overscheduling, constant evaluation, and lack of recovery time. Too many practices. Too many games. Too many sports at once. The developing brain needs downtime to integrate learning, regulate emotions, and restore motivation. Without it, children may become irritable, disengaged, or suddenly “lose interest” in a sport they once loved. This isn’t laziness. It’s a nervous system asking for rest.

Evidence indicates children benefit most when sports are developmentally appropriate, with space for rest, free play, and unstructured time. More isn’t always better.

Keeping Balance In A Performance-Driven Culture

One of the biggest risks in youth sports today is a child’s identity becoming tied solely to performance.

When children begin to believe their value depends on how well they play, whether they win, or whether they make the team, their self-worth becomes fragile.

In my legal work, I’ve seen how this plays out later in life — adults who struggle with perfectionism, people-pleasing, fear of failure, or difficulty separating who they are from what they do.

Children need to know they are valued on and off the field, through both their best and worst days. This message doesn’t come from trophies. It comes from relationships.

How Parents Can Protect Both Performance & Well-Being Healthy sports participation doesn’t require lowering standards; it requires shifting perspective.

A few science-backed ways parents can help:

• Focus feedback on effort and learning, not outcomes. “What did you learn today?” is far more powerful than: “Did you win?”
• Normalise mistakes. Mistakes signal growth, not weakness.
• Watch for emotional cues. Irritability, withdrawal, or dread around sport are signals of stress, not discipline problems.
• Protect balance. Ensure time for schoolwork, friendships, rest, and family connection.
• Model perspective. How parents talk about competition, referees, and losses teaches children how to regulate disappointment.

The Bigger Goal

Sports are not meant to raise perfect athletes — they are meant to raise healthy humans.

When children feel supported rather than pressured, they build confidence that lasts beyond the season. They learn resilience without fear. They develop discipline without burnout.

The goal isn’t to remove challenge, it’s to ensure challenge exists alongside safety, joy, and balance.

The most successful athletes, and the most fulfilled adults, aren’t the ones who never failed. They’re the ones who learned they were worthy even when they did — and kept going anyway.

Jacqueline P. Cheng is an empowered parenting coach (Jai Institute for Parenting), a mother of three and an Attorney. She is also a Positive Discipline Association Parent Educator. Contact Jacqueline via her Transforming Parenting website.

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THE PARENTING BIZ – HELPING KIDS LOOK AND FEEL GREAT IN 2026

From newborn essentials to stylish staples for growing kids, the local children’s clothing and shoe shops we are about to highlight go beyond selling products — they offer expert guidance, thoughtful product
selection, and a personalized shopping experience.

Whether it’s properly fitted footwear, high-quality resale finds, or unique boutique pieces you won’t see anywhere else, these Windsor Essex and Chatham Kent businesses have you covered!

In this issue of The Parenting Biz, we showcase the passion, resilience, and community focus of area retailers who help dress our youngest residents with care, creativity, and purpose.

These local business owners will keep your fledgling fashionistas looking smart and presentable from head to toe! In addition, they also remind parents that function matters just as much as fashion.
Sweet Repeats, Belle River Located at 575 Notre Dame Street in Belle River, Sweet Repeats is a
children’s resale boutique, offering a curated selection of high-quality, new, and gently used items for babies, toddlers, and kids (newborn to eight years old).

Products include clothing, footwear, and accessories, along with wooden and educational/Montessori-inspired toys that encourage learning and creativity.

“Sweet Repeats is resale reinvented, with every item handpicked for quality and style,” describes Stephanie Newhook, Owner of Sweet Repeats. “We have a clean, organized boutique-style environment that makes it easy for parents to find quality items at affordable prices. As well our sales events, clearance days, and themed promotions help families save even more.”

So what are the big sellers right now? She informs Biz X: “Gender-neutral, matching sets and versatile basics are in demand. Many families are gravitating towards comfort: soft, stretchy fabrics, comfortable sweat suits and clothing that let their children move, play, and grow without restriction.” 

Newhook goes on to say that she finds bright colours and fun prints featuring favourite characters are also very popular — anything that shows personality! There has been a trend in combining vintage finds
with modern pieces to create a stylish wardrobe. 

“It is so encouraging to see a growing demand from parents for sustainable clothing; pieces made from organic cotton, recycled fibres, and eco-friendly materials,” she remarks. “These choices benefit our
environment and also increase the longevity of an item through quality and durability.”

When it comes to fashion, Newhook likes to do her own thing!

“My focus is on sustainability, quality, and practicality — values that align with my shop’s mission,” she explains. “By not chasing trends and shopping resale items for myself, I try to stick to a budget-friendly and environmentally responsible wardrobe. Having spent many years as a kindergarten and early primary teacher, I always encourage function over fashion when it comes to those early years of building
independence, such as pieces that are easy to put on alone with few snaps or buttons.”

Many brick-and-mortar shops today understand the struggle of competing with massive online retailers like Amazon and Shein. “Instead of competing with online retailers, I focus on what they can’t offer: a personal, face-to-face experience and a community-centred way of shopping,” Newhook points out. “Families come into my shop because they want to touch and see the items, ask questions, and feel
confident in what they’re buying for their children. They appreciate being able to check quality, sizing, and condition in person — something you just can’t do with fast online shopping.”

While Newhook dabbled in selling products online in 2021, it wasn’t a good fit for her, so she opened her retail shop in 2024.

“The heart of my business is the connection: meeting families, watching their children grow, helping new parents find what they need, and giving items a second life through resale,” she states. “It’s a more sustainable option, keeping clothing out of landfills and it supports local families both as buyers and sellers.”

Families who bring freshly laundered items to the store, laid flat in a laundry basket or bin, receive a cash or store-credit offer for the items sold to Sweet Repeats. No appointment is required.

Wrapping up her section of this story, Newhook expresses: “I am so incredibly grateful for the journey of the past few years. I’m grateful for the community that is growing and for all the support and encouragement from our local community. Sweet Repeats is a dream come true, and I believe we’re just getting started!”

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING ON PAGE 30

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THE PARENTING BIZ – Light Up Your Child’s Summer With Windsor Essex & Chatham-Kent Camps

School has been out for a few weeks with the kids stuck at home —now what? Get ready for some fun in the sun as we spotlight area camps for your kids!

Summer is in full swing, and your little ones are probably thrilled to have a break from school.

For parents juggling work and busy schedules, there may be mixed feelings on the kids not having to be anywhere in the day. The question: “What are my children going to do all day?” has probably already popped up.

Play dates, family support, and babysitters can help bridge the gap, but we also wanted to highlight some Windsor Essex and Chatham Kent camps happening throughout July and August.

Whether you want to inspire creativity in your future filmmaker, help a rising tennis star, introduce your child to the world of engineering, develop the ability to communicate fluently in French, or simply enjoy
the great outdoors, these summer camps do more than just fill the days . . . they help educate, keep children active, and build confidence. To assist our readers in finding the right fit for your family, we selected several local camps offering a wide range of experiences for kids of all interests.

Here’s a closer look at what each one features . . .

Centre Communautaire Francophone Windsor-Essex-Kent: Daily/Weekly Until August 22

Since 1990, the Centre Communautaire Francophone Windsor-Essex-Kent (CCFWEK) has focused on French-language programming offering vibrant bilingual summer camps for children aged 4 to 12. Based in Windsor, their non-profit camp offers more than just a place for kids to spend their summer, it is a place for growth, creativity, and — above all — FUN! Campers are grouped by age (4 to 7 and 8 to 12) to ensure age-appropriate activities and connection.

“While the programming is bilingual, children of all language backgrounds are welcome to join in the fun,” says Yasmine Joheir, CCFWEK Executive Director.

Designed to boost confidence and fluency in French, CCFWEK camps combine interactive games, music, storytelling, and cultural activities to make learning engaging and natural. From arts and crafts to swimming, science experiments, and exciting local outings, there’s something new each week to keep your young one engaged and active. Families with children who have special needs are encouraged to reach out as the camp is happy to discuss how accommodations can be made. The program is run by full-time staff dedicated to providing a safe and enriching experience for every camper.

“Your kids are in good hands and they will have a blast!” Joheir expresses. “Whether your child is a beginner or already speaks some French, they’ll strengthen their skills in a supportive, playful environment — while making new friends and unforgettable memories!”

The Francophone camps are $225 weekly or $50 per day and go until August 22. This year, the camps are held at Collège Boréal (7515 Forest Glade Drive, Windsor).

Give your child the gift of language with an enjoyable and immersive bilingual summer camp! Reserve a spot and see what other French-based activities are offered year-round.

Read about camps at The Country Learning Centre, Engineering For Kids, Film Camp For Kids & Youth, Parkside Tennis Club, Windsor and Camp Henry/YMCA Of Southwestern Ontario in the Parenting Biz feature story.

The Parenting Biz Continues on Page 27

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Inspiring Stories Of Local Kids . . . Meet Our Windsor Wonders

Over the years, we hear about many adult students taking the drama or music classes at the University of Windsor who have achieved success in the entertainment industry, or with community ventures . . . but what about the children?

Biz X magazine is always looking to profile amazing kids in the community who’ve been following their dreams and making a name for themselves, well before becoming adults.

Our readers know in previous issues we have highlighted various youths doing great things and now, to kick-start 2025, we once again have found an impressive list of kids to write about!

Choosing the direction you want to follow in life is a difficult decision for anyone, let alone someone still in grade school or high school. A child needs to take many factors need into account — how to get started; how to keep up my grades in school; how to still do other activities that I like to enjoy; and how to get to spend time my friends.

Before we take a look at these wonderfully talented individuals, we introduce you to Jessica Swabey, the Practice Owner/Family Therapist of Swabey Family Counselling. Her credentials include a Master’s degree in counselling psychology; Canadian Certified Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling & Psychotherapy Association; registration as an Allied Mental Health Professional with the American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy; and she is a Registered Social Worker with Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.

Swabey’s group practice has operated out of the Active Body Physical Therapy Plaza, 1765 Sprucewood Avenue, Unit 400 in LaSalle, since 2020 she opened her private practice in 2016 and was located in
Windsor and Tecumseh before moving to LaSalle. Prior to this, Swabey had 10 years of experience working in community mental health and school settings. In the group practice, she employs a Family Care Coordinator (administration) two therapists, plus herself. (Find out more about their therapy services on: SwabeyCounselling.com).

“We specialize in working with kids, teens, and their parents,” Swabey points out. “We understand that family life can be overwhelming, especially when kids face struggles with making friends, managing
emotions, or controlling behaviours. That’s why our unique approach focuses on parents and kids working together — to learn amazing skills, to understand, manage, and express emotions effectively, so families can reduce conflict and create homes filled with calm, confidence, and connection.”

Biz X spoke with Swabey about how parents and their children can learn to balance everything as life gets busier. Swabey explains as follows — as schedules get more hectic, it’s important to recognize the positive impact of supportive relationships. These connections help kids manage stress, prioritize activities, and use their time wisely.

When kids have strong, supportive relationships with parents, caregivers, extended family, coaches, or teachers, they tend to do better overall.

Of course, we can’t forget the basics. It’s important to eat healthily, get enough sleep, and stay active through exercise or other activities. Proper sleep, movement, and nutrition not only improve physical health, but they also boost our mood, reduce stress, and help us handle challenges better.

Unstructured, off-screen time is also important for kids. It allows them to be creative and use their imagination without strict rules or schedules. This free time helps them develop problem-solving skills, manage conflicts, and improve social interactions as they play and communicate with others. It also encourages emotional growth, as kids learn to cope with boredom, frustration, and other emotions.

Most importantly, kids need to have a say in how they spend their time and choose their activities. This builds independence, strengthens decision-making skills, and increases motivation and engagement. Kids need to enjoy life and have fun, instead of jumping into the stressful adult world too soon.

As we look at the individuals profiled in this January installment of The Parenting Biz, it is important to note that all kids are incredible human beings in their own way. They are able to surprise us with little gestures and acts of kindness, as well as showing us talents that often stay hidden. We hope you enjoy reading about these young individuals who have gone beyond the normal expectations of being a kid and impressed everyone with their acting, musical talents and desire to volunteer and make a difference in this world.

RIVER PRICE-MAENPAA: HER STAR IS ON THE RISE

Our first talented young lady is River Price-Maenpaa — now 10 years old — who is born and raised in Windsor and has been acting since she was four.

Growing up she was always around acting, as her parents are both actors. She caught the acting bug as well, and after her first audition, she knew this was what she wanted to do.

While Price-Maenpaa hasn’t taken any acting classes, her parents do teach her at home; when she receives a script or is preparing for an audition, her parents work on it with her. Besides acting, she takes
singing lessons, which is helpful since there have been some Disney auditions requiring singers. 

As an aspiring actress, Price-Maenpaa has been in numerous TV shows, such as Blue’s Clues & You; Tales From The Loop (Prime Video) and The Way Home.

She has a guest star role as Lyla in DOC, a new FOX series about a doctor who loses her memory during a car accident. The show debuts January 7, 2025.

Aside from the TV programs, she has also been in feature films. In North of Normal (2022/2023) Price-Maenpaa had a leading role as the young Cea Sunrise Person. The movie went to TIFF (Toronto
International Film Festival) and WIFF (Windsor International Film Festival) then premiered in theatres and is now on Apple TV, Crave and Air Canada (in flight entertainment).

What’s next? Price-Maenpaa has a lead role as Faith in the upcoming Canadian film Unseen, which premieres at festivals in 2025 and on Crave. The film is about a swimming coach experiencing “unseen
homelessness” and living in a van, while keeping his homelessness a secret.

“I saw my parents acting and how much fun it is, so I wanted to do it as well. My brother does it too. I receive really good feedback from casting directors and directors that I am very good at what I do. That is always so nice to hear and makes me very happy. I love acting and singing, so I hope I get to do both forever.” – River Price-Maenpaa

On top of her acting career, Price-Maenpaa is also involved in gymnastics, Taekwondo, squash and learning the guitar. She is currently attending King Edward Public School and is in Grade 5.

When asked about her daughter’s interest in acting, Price-Maenpaa’s mother, Elinor Price states: “I am blown away with River’s talent every time I help her with her auditions. She is so natural, so captivating and takes on her characters and brings to life something I didn’t think a 10 year old could.”

Price mentions that the entire family acts. Their son Kai who is eight years old is also an actor. The entire family was involved in a McDonald’s commercial, plus Price and her husband Matt Maenpaa did a Canada Life commercial with their daughter.

The old saying, the family that plays together, stays together, is modified for the Price-Maenpaa family. It is definitely the family that acts together — stays together.

“I love the adventures it takes me on and meeting new people,” comments Price-Maenpaa. “I get to travel a lot and my whole family comes with me. My mom always says ‘let’s see what new adventure awaits’ and I just can’t wait.”

Keep up to date with all the news associated with this rising young star on Instagram.

LEAVE THOSE KIDS ALONE: CAPTIVATING AUDIENCES WITH SPOT-ON RENDITIONS OF CLASSIC ROCK
FAVOURITES

Most of us are familiar with the music of Pink Floyd’s 1979 album The Wall.

The song, Another Brick in the Wall and its famous line “Hey teacher, leave them kids alone” resonates in our memory. The feeling we get from these lyrics screams classic rock, as well as referencing kids, so Leave Those Kids Alone (L.T.K.A.) is the perfect name for a band of four young musicians.

In June 2018 siblings Alex and Addisyn (Addi) Bonadonna started the band. At seven years old, Addi was the youngest band member! The other band members also started at a young age, but now are growing up before our eyes.

The band members are: Addi (drums), 14, from Windsor, and a student at Tecumseh Vista Academy — Secondary; Alex (guitar), 17, also from Windsor and a student at Tecumseh Vista; Louis Diab (keyboards),
18, from LaSalle who is currently an electrical engineering student at the University of Windsor; and Luca Angelini (bass), 18, also from LaSalle and is a graduate of Sandwich Secondary School, now working
at Centerline. The band is managed by Addi and Alex’s father John-Paul (J.P.) Bonadonna.

Addi sums up her desire for music this way: “I’ve been playing the drums since I was little and it has always been what I wanted to do in life. So far, it is a dream come true. It’s my favourite thing to do, so to be able to have a band where I get to play all the time is amazing. My friends think what I do is really cool. I’d like to continue what we’re doing and get even bigger.”

Her brother, Alex, states: “It is my dream to be a rock and roll star like my idols. I never want to have to work a normal 9 to 5 job. I love writing music. I feel so happy when I am playing music with my best friends and I never have a single worry in the world. It is the most fun thing I have done, or that I will ever do.”

THE PARENTING BIZ CONTINUES ON PAGE 30 OF THE JANUARY 2025 EDITION

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Canadian Transportation Museum & Heritage Village Summer Day Camps

Registration is now open for 2024 camps for those aged 6 to 12 years old!

Between the heritage village, automotive museum, and surrounding nature there are endless opportunities for fun and learning at the Canadian Transportation Museum and Heritage Village, 6155 Arner Townline in Kingsville.

Their day camps provides a variety of interactive and hands-on experiences. The camp includes historic activities in various buildings throughout the village, nature crafts and activities in the surrounding
forests and fields, exciting crafts, daily active games, and more.

Campers will experience the Canadian Transportation Museum and Heritage Village (CTMHV ) like never before.

“It’s so important to provide kids with a place where they’re able to learn and explore in a safe and inclusive environment.” says CTMHV’s Education Coordinator, Courtney Gregorian.

Weather permitting, campers will spend most of the day outside so parents, be sure to provide your child(ren) with appropriate clothing and shoes, along with a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray. Campers should also bring a reusable water bottle, lunch, and snacks.

• Week 1: July 2 – July 5
• Week 2: July 8 – July 12
• Week 3: July 15 – July 19
• Week 4: July 22 – July 26
• Week 5: July 29 – August 2
• Week 6: August 5 – August 9
• Week 7: August 12 – August 16
• Week 8: August 19 – August 23
• Week 9: August 26 – August 30

The costs are as follows: $160 per camper (for week 1, Tuesday July 2- Friday July 5) or $50 per camper per day. $200 per camper per week (weeks 2-9) or $50 per camper per day. There is an extra fee of $10 for early drop off and $10 for late pick up is available upon request.

For more information, check the website.

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