Sports can teach children far more than how to win. Navigating the challenges of raising kids in today’s sports culture adds new dimensions to the lessons they learn through competition and teamwork. Indeed, raising kids in today’s sports culture presents unique opportunities and challenges for families.
In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to sports broadcasters and parents Donovan Bennett and Kate McKenna.
The couple discuss how their careers covering elite athletes have reshaped their views on parenting, youth sports and childhood development. Additionally, their experiences raising two young boys have contributed to these changes. In fact, raising kids in today’s sports culture has influenced how they approach work and family life.
The conversation explores the powerful role sports play in building confidence, resilience, empathy and emotional regulation. It also addresses modern parenting challenges including excessive screen time, changing media habits, sports culture, healthy competition and evolving ideas of masculinity.
Bennett and McKenna also share why they believe participation matters as much as performance. They explain how parents can encourage teamwork over individual achievement. Furthermore, they discuss why positive role models—both at home and in professional sports—can have a lasting impact on children’s development. Raising kids in today’s sports culture requires careful thought about values and role models.
DONNOVAN BENNETT
Sports host
Producer
Writer
Content Creator
Storyteller
Father of 2
“When I went back to the office after we had our first, I was just like, ‘Oh, you think these are big issues? None of this really matters.’ It gave me great perspective in terms of work, but also in terms of time and what was actually worth investing in.”
KATE McKENNA
Sports host
Host, Northern Super League, TSN
On-air contributor, The Social, CTV
Producer
Mother of 2
“Sports is a vehicle for being active, for forming great friendships, for getting outside… We really need to strike a balance in these young years when it comes to sports.” Above all, raising kids in today’s sports culture means teaching them to find balance, health and joy in being active.
