Our Daughter’s Health Diagnosis

ANASTASIA EASTWOOD SWIMMING Health Diagnosis

If you follow our family’s journey, you probably saw the video where I shared the news about my daughter’s breathing struggles. Today, I want to give you the full picture — because this health diagnosis has been emotional, eye-opening, and honestly, just one of the many challenges that come with raising young athletes. My daughter…

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My Bedtime Hair & Skincare Routine: How I Unwind and Wake Up Glowing

After a long, hectic day of work, family, and a never-ending to-do list, my favorite form of self-care happens right before bed — my nighttime hair and skincare routine. It’s the moment I get to slow down, breathe, and reset. And as a mom with a packed schedule, I’ve learned that taking care of my…

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Should Kids Lift Weights? What I Learned When My Son Started Training

should kids lift weights

As a mom, I’ve always encouraged my kids to stay active — running, swimming, and playing outside. But when my son started asking to lift weights, I’ll admit, I hesitated. Is it safe for kids to lift weights? How young is too young? Those questions sent me down a rabbit hole of research, conversations with…

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Should Athletes Have Multiple Trainers? Our Experience Our Son’s Training Journey

multiple trainers stacy-ann gooden

Lately, we’ve been asking ourselves a big question: should athletes stick with one trainer, or is it worth adding another to the mix? Take O’Shea, for example. He’s been working with an incredible trainer who focuses on skills and development—the fundamentals of the game, technique, and mindset. We’ve seen huge growth in his confidence and…

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When My Sister’s Spirit Showed Up!

Stacy-Ann Gooden and Sister

Grief has a way of changing the way we see the world. When we lose someone we love, the absence is undeniable — but so is the presence they leave behind. Recently, I had a moment that reminded me my sister, even in death, is still with me. My sister wasn’t just family. She was…

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How to Choose the Right Trainer for Your Athlete

Finding the right trainer for your child can feel overwhelming. With so many options out there, it’s easy to wonder: Am I making the right choice? Whether your child is just starting out in sports or looking to take their game to the next level, the trainer you choose will play a huge role in…

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Mental Toughness in Youth Sports: O’Shea’s Story & Lessons from Kobe Bryant

If you’ve been following our journey, you know we’ve always tried to be honest about the highs and lows of raising young athletes. In our last video, we opened up about Anastasia’s mental struggles, and the feedback from parents like you reminded us how important it is to have these conversations. This time, we’re shifting…

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Our Daughter’s Silent Struggle: Mental Health in Youth Sports

As parents, we want nothing more than to see our kids happy, thriving, and doing what they love. For our daughter, swimming is her passion. But what many didn’t see behind the medals, early practices, and long meets was her silent struggle — the mental and emotional toll that comes with being a young athlete….

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