Episode 31

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Published on:

11th Aug 2025

The Fadeout Effect: Why Kids’ Mental-Skills Training Needs Community Reinforcement

In this episode of 'Confident Calm and Clutch Car Ride Conversations,' host Valerie Alston explores the 'fade out effect' - the phenomenon where mental skills training fades over time without continuous support from parents, coaches, and the community. Drawing insights from an article about the marshmallow test, Valerie discusses the importance of a supportive environment in ensuring the long-term retention of mental skills. With engaging questions for kids and parents, this episode provides actionable strategies for fostering resilience and confidence in young athletes. Tune in for valuable tips on creating a consistent and encouraging atmosphere for mental skills development.

00:00 Introduction to the Fade Out Effect

01:12 The Marshmallow Test Revisited

04:01 The Importance of Environment in Skill Retention

07:15 Practical Advice for Parents and Coaches

09:11 Engaging Questions for Kids and Parents

12:24 Conclusion and Call to Action




Discussion questions:

  • When I tried to teach you to stay calm under pressure, what helped you keep practicing that? How can I or others support you more consistently?
  • Think of a time you felt mentally strong on the field—what did others around you do that helped you maintain that? How can they keep doing it?
  • If the coaches, teachers, and I agreed on one daily habit to reinforce your mental game, what would it be and how could we remind each other?
  • What support do you wish you had on tough days—someone to encourage you, remind you, or celebrate small wins?


Article

https://psyche.co/ideas/what-the-marshmallow-test-got-wrong-about-child-psychology 

Video

https://youtu.be/4L-n8Z7G0ic?si=u_6C_Dbl7r3FxON0 




Thanks for joining me on Confident, Calm, and Clutch Car Ride Conversations! If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe to the podcast so you never miss a moment. Share it with other parents or coaches who could use a little extra inspiration on the go.

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For more specific tips on building mental toughness, buy my book Confident, Calm and Clutch: How to build confidence and mental toughness for young athletes using sports psychology

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Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email me: valerie.alston@valstoncoaching.com

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About the Podcast

Car Ride Conversations For Sports Families
Conversation prompts for building mentally tough young athletes while you drive
The ultimate podcast for parents, coaches, and young athletes who want to unlock the secrets to mental toughness, confidence, and resilience. Whether you're on your way to practice, a big game, or just tackling the daily grind, these bite-sized episodes are designed to spark meaningful conversations to equip young athletes with actionable tools to thrive in school, sports and life while building strong relationships with their parents, one car ride at a time.

Hosted by Valerie Alston, former D1 athlete, sport psychology expert, and resilience coach, each episode dives into key topics like building effective self-talk, staying calm under pressure, and bouncing back from setbacks. With real-life stories, practical tips, and relatable insights, you'll discover how to support your athlete's journey while strengthening your connection along the way.

Buckle up and join us for a ride full of inspiration, growth, and the skills needed to become Confident, Calm, and Clutch!

Questions? Comments? Ideas?
✉️ Email me: valerie.alston@valstoncoaching.com

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📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valstoncoaching
▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@valstoncoaching9666

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About your host

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Valerie Alston

Drawing from a rich background as a former D1 softball player and a Certified Mental Performance Consultant, she boasts over 15 years of experience dedicated to teaching and training Soldiers in the intricate art of mental toughness and resilience. As a distinguished author and coach, she brings a unique perspective to the realm of performance enhancement. Currently, her passion lies in empowering today's youth, leveraging her expertise to build and foster resilience through sports and mental toughness training, ensuring the next generation thrives in both their athletic pursuits and broader life challenges. With a comprehensive approach to athlete development, she extends her expertise to parents and coaches. Committed to enhancing understanding, she collaborates with them to impart valuable insights on building the mental toughness of young athletes, fostering an environment that nurtures resilience and unleashes their full potential.