This past weekend, I got to spend two days with my son Mason in Tennessee—and honestly, it was more than just time on a field or drills with a coach. It was one of those moments that cracked my heart wide open.

At 16, Mason is in that defining space between boy and man. He’s training hard, chasing his dream of being recruited for college football. And with that comes pressure, self-doubt, and questions he doesn’t always know how to put into words.

On day two, I saw it in his eyes—frustration, maybe a little fear. And he looked at me like, “Am I really good enough for this?”

I took a deep breath, walked up to him, and asked,
“Mason, what does my brand stand for?”

He looked at me, paused, and said,
“Take action?”

I smiled.
“Yes. Take action. Be the CEO of your life. No one’s coming to hand you your future—you create it. This is your moment, your story, your power. You’ve got this. LET’S GO.”

And just like that, something shifted.

Being a Mom to a Teen Isn’t About Control—It’s About Coaching

As a mom, especially to a teenage boy chasing big goals, I’ve realized I can’t do it for him—but I can walk with him. I can model the mindset. I can reflect the belief until he sees it for himself.

This trip wasn’t about me giving him all the answers. It was about showing him how to ask the right questions. How to build self-trust. How to get back up and keep going when the doubt creeps in.

Because emotional intelligence isn’t just about being “in touch with your feelings.” It’s about how you navigate life—how you breathe through discomfort, how you respond under pressure, how you lead yourself forward.

Teach Them How to Think, Not What to Think

That’s what this weekend was about. Not molding Mason into a version of success I had in my head—but helping him understand how to think like a leader. Like a CEO. Like someone who knows their worth, even on the hard days.

When we spend time like this with our kids—deep, present, connected time—we’re not just supporting their goals…
We’re shaping how they see themselves.

We’re reminding them they are capable.
They are resilient.
They are ready.

And the best part? They start to believe it too.

Here’s What I Want Every Parent to Know:

• Presence > Perfection. You don’t have to have all the right words. Just be there.

• Confidence is built, not bought. Help them work the muscle.

• Teach them how to think. Life skills over life scripts.

• Say it out loud: “You’ve got this.” Because sometimes, your belief will unlock theirs.

So to all the parents showing up, cheering on, and holding space—I see you.
Let’s raise leaders who know how to lead themselves.
Let’s raise humans who know they’re capable of anything.
And let’s remind them—
It’s up to you. You got this. LET’S GO.

With love and fire,
Bonnie B.
Founder of Fit CEO on the Go | Boy Mom x2 | Lets GO!