Simone Biles during the 2024 Paris Olympic Games gymnastics all-around final. Photo: Jamie Squire/Getty Images

So far during the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, powerhouse athletes Simone Biles and Noah Lyles have already achieved incredible success. Both have also openly shared their mental health struggles and triumphs, offering invaluable lessons for you, as parents, to use in supporting your own daughter’s emotional well-being.

Here’s what you can learn from these remarkable athletes to help your teen develop a strong mental foundation:

Celebrate uniqueness

Olympians come in all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds, each bringing their unique strengths to their sport! Help your teen recognize and celebrate her own strengths and talents, regardless of her pursuits.

Remind her that she doesn’t need to be like everyone else to be accepted, valued, and successful.

Noah Lyles after winning the men's 100m at 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Credit: Noah Lyles on Twitter/X.

Nurture self-worth

Self-worth is a cornerstone of mental health, and it must come from within rather than external validation. You can nurture this internal validation by telling your child you are proud of her regardless of their accolades.

No matter the passion, whether it be sports, drama, or art, encourage her to value herself for who she is, not just for her achievements.

Quick tip! Practice saying empowering affirmations with her before school.

Reframe failures

Failure is an inevitable part of life and a critical learning opportunity. Olympians view failure as a stepping stone to success. Help your child understand that failing doesn’t make her a failure. Encourage her to reflect on what she can learn from setbacks and how to apply those lessons in the future.

Teach her to say, “I’m not there YET, but I will get better with practice.” This simple shift in language can transform her approach to challenges and build resilience.

Encourage open communication

Sometimes, especially if your daughter has entered adolescence, the last person she want to talk to is a parent. You can't control her actions but you can assure her of an open and safe place to share, should she choose to. It's also okay to seek professional support when needed.

"I think we used to think of therapy as a weakness, and now I think of it as a strength... If there's somebody that can help me deal with what I'm going through, then that's what I need to do." - Simone Biles

Simone's decision to prioritize her mental health at the 2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Olympic Games has helped to reduce the stigma around these conversations. Your teen doesn’t need to be an Olympian to benefit from prioritizing her emotional vulnerability.

5 more practical tips

Introduce mindfulness practices: Simple activities like deep breathing or quiet time can help children manage stress and stay focused.
Promote rest and self-care: Ensure your daughter understands the importance of rest and taking breaks from her activities.
Teach the importance of advocating: Help her to see failures as opportunities to learn and grow.
Celebrate her uniqueness: Encourage your teen to value herself from within and celebrate what makes her unique.
Practice active listening: Create a safe space for your child to talk about her feelings. Listening without judgment fosters trust and support.

Remember, fostering mental health isn't just about addressing struggles—it's about equipping your child with the tools to thrive. So take inspiration from these Olympians to create an environment where your daughter feels empowered to be herself, learn from her experiences, and reach her fullest potential.

You’re doing great. ZGiRLS is here for your family.

ZGiRLS equips middle school girls with the mental health tools and resources to build lifelong confidence, resilience, and unwavering self-worth. Learn more about how we help tweens and teens realize their fullest potential.

What Parents Can Learn from Olympians to Support Their Child's Mental Health