Having children involved in sports is a workout for all

By Staff
Michelle Blaylock, Mom's Corner
Warm days, beautiful flowers, blooming trees, green grass are the unmistakable signs of spring. Of course, to many families the other signs of spring are things like the crack of a bat, sweaty clothes, smelly socks, dirty cleats and evenings and Saturdays spent at practices and games.
I am proud to admit that I’m not only a soccer mom, but I am also a softball, basketball, and swim team mom. I have found some strategies that help me enjoy the activity and limit the work involved.
First of all, my children are responsible for their own gear. It’s not my job to keep up with their bat bag, cleats, goggles, or whatever. I also make them responsible for getting their drink or snack ready to take to practice. I make sure I have drinks and snacks available, but it’s their job to pack it up to go.
My children are also responsible for getting their practice clothes or uniforms to the laundry.
Of course, I do have to remember to wash it, but if it’s not in the laundry room, it’s not my problem. According to my children, that’s just being mean. Oh well, it’s not the worst thing in the world to be called.
Secondly, I prioritize, or at least I try. For example, each day I try to decide what is most important to accomplish. There are some things that just must be done to keep this family going.
We must have clean clothes, meals, and a certain amount of cleaning must be done. Also, believe it or not, I sometimes say “no” to outside requests. It’s not a bad thing. It is a reasonable thing. When I put too much into my day, not only do I suffer, but so does my family.
Another strategy is to make it a point to ask others to do things. There isn’t a law somewhere that says, “Mom’s must do it all.” Our Heavenly Father, put other people around us to help us. We must use the help wisely and efficiently. It isn’t terrible to ask for help, it’s necessary.
Finally, I am constantly working get organized. It makes life so much easier and happier. I try to plan ahead and decide what’s coming next. Do I need snacks for this afternoon? Do we have enough sports drinks and water? What am I fixing for dinner?
If I am sitting at a practice worrying about what I will fix when I get home at 6 p.m., I’m not going to enjoy watching my child. Not to mention, it’s a terrible way to start off an evening.
Yes, having children in sports can be a lot of work, but with some planning it can also be a lot of fun.
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