Description

In this sibling spotlight episode of Running Ahrens, we sit down with our third child, Quinn, a national champion, a natural leader, and a 200% energy kind of guy. From being the tallest kid in school to learning when to slow down (literally), this conversation is fast-paced, funny, and full of heart.

We talk about what it was like growing up Ahrens-style: full schedules, loud houses, big feelings, and sometimes, misunderstandings. Quinn reflects on his sports highs and heartbreaking injury, what it felt like not to be believed, and how his confidence evolved through speech struggles and being the “middle kid.” He also spills some secrets, names the best sibling drama moment, and shares how he’s navigating what’s next.

It’s a story about movement, resilience, and identity, and why home still matters even when you’re grown.

Takeaways & Talking Points:

• The challenge of being tall, loud, and underestimated
• Early speech issues and how they shaped his confidence
• The ups and downs of sports, from glory to injury
• Real talk about parenting, from sports sidelines to the living room
• Sibling chaos, secrets, and growing up in the middle
• Letting go of what defined you and figuring out who you are now

Things We’re Learning (and Unlearning):

• Kids don’t always feel heard, even when they’re loud
• Being competitive doesn’t mean you don’t have fears
• Trusting your kids’ pain and letting them grieve matters
• Middle children are often watching more than you know
• Coming home as an adult can bring both comfort and clarity

Stats Worth Knowing:

• Middle children often develop stronger conflict resolution and leadership skills than their siblings (Journal of Personality)
• 70% of kids quit sports by age 13, burnout and pressure are top reasons (Aspen Institute Project Play)
• Over 33% of youth athletes experience injuries that change their trajectory (AAP)
• Gen Z is the most values-driven generation yet,  67% say they define success more by meaning than money (Pew Research)

This episode is for anyone navigating the messy middle, whether it’s in the birth order, in recovery, or in the journey of figuring out who you really are.

#RunningAhrens #SiblingStories #CrazySportsParents #MiddleChildEnergy #FullHeartLiving #ParentingReflection #GenZVoices