AJ Hinch: Coaching Your Own Child

AJ Hinch (@ajhinch) manages the World Series Champion Houston Astros. He played for Stanford University, followed by eight seasons with the Oakland A’s, Kansas City Royals, Detroit Tigers, and Philadelphia Phillies

A sports-parent to two daughters who play soccer and tennis, Hinch discusses the challenges inherent to being both a parent and a coach to one’s own children. He highlights two main challenges: the “perception of favoritism” that a coach of one's own child often faces; and the possibility that a child experiences confusion about when he or she is being parented vs. coached.

Expanding the discussion to intra-family relationships, Hinch draws on examples of Ken Griffey, Jr. and Ken Griffey, Sr., as well as Justin and B.J. Upton.

Editor's Note: This article first appeared in the Development Zone® of Positive Coaching Alliance. AAU is proud to provide FREE Coaches' Education for all AAU non-athlete members. This exciting program is administered by Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA), using their Double-Goal Coach online courses.