If nervousness and race anxiety are a thing in your family, use this checklist to identify what to say and what NOT to say before a race.
There's no magic sentence that eliminates nervousness, but the important idea (for parents) is that when your child is struggling with nerves... it's THEIR opportunity to build their character.
And while it sucks to see them suffer, you don't want to rob them from their chance to become a stronger and more resilient human being.
So very often the best thing to say is just "I love you" ❤️ and then shut up and let them do their thing.