Seventy percent of kids have quit youth sports by the age of thirteen, and author Mike Bergstrom believes the most crucial part of that problem happens after the final whistle: the car ride home.

In this heartfelt and humorous book, Bergstrom draws from his own experience as a coach, a parent, and a grandparent to share stories of both his triumphs and his mistakes. This book is not a lecture on what parents are doing wrong; it is a candid and insightful look at the common pitfalls that can make youth sports a stressful experience for kids. It challenges parents to engage in self-reflection on everything from sideline behavior and communication with coaches to the emotional impact of comparing children to their teammates.

The Car Ride Home is an invitation to put a different kind of playbook into action—one that prioritizes a child's love for the game over winning. It's a powerful guide for parents who want to ensure their kids have fun, build confidence, and, most importantly, stay in the game longer.