Surviving Back-to-School Sports: A Busy Mom’s Survival Guide
Back-to-school season is here, and for many families, that means it’s time to dive into the whirlwind of sports practices, games, and tournaments. As a busy mom, the transition from summer freedom to the structured chaos of sports schedules can feel overwhelming.
I started this blog last year as I dredged through the craziest sports season our household had ever seen and we barely survived !! I started coming up with a plan for this year pulling from years of knowledge that we could do this better (think travel sports, a coach husband and a Mom Doctor ). I started to think about what threw us off and how to tackle the pieces. More importantly when speaking to other parents we were all in the same boat just trying to figure out the best nutrition at 930pm after practice was over!! So hopefully, this blog holds a few helpful answers and tips to get you through and not only survive this season but thrive.
Fear not—I've mapped out this journey and have some survival tips to help you manage the madness with a smile!
1. Create a Family Calendar
One of the best ways to keep track of everyone's schedules is to create a master family calendar. Whether you use a physical planner or a digital app, having a central place where all practices, games, and other commitments are listed can save you from double-booking and last-minute scrambling.
Tip: Color-code activities by family member and set reminders to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Google calendar: our shared space for my family so that we can communicate on a daily basis, This is where all school, work practice and game information is communicated.
Kitchen communication: dry erase calendar where weekly schedule is posted. (also color coded) helps update minute to minute changes and where scheduling reminders are present for the entire family. (yes they still need to be reminded to look at it :)
2. Prep Ahead for the Week
Dedicate a bit of time on the weekend to prepare for the week ahead. Both for sports and meal prep. Involve the children in this process - it is everyones job to keep all of the things together and it teaches executive functioning. (**bonus- build that part of the brain that learns how to be organized). This also educates the kids that they can have control over outcome which helps build Grit as does the sports itself. So if you are double guessing this crazy schedule think about the ways this process helps your child build character and sticking with the support proves even more that they have Grit. Here is a link to the book on Grit that tells you how more than 1 sport adds some points to college entrance but perseverance is proven in sticking to a sport.
Sports Prep: Pack sports bags with necessary gear, snacks, and water bottles. Having everything ready to go minimizes the morning rush and ensures you’re not scrambling for missing cleats or uniforms for after school sports.
Tip: Keep a checklist on your fridge or in your phone for quick reference and a reminder. Lists do not fail us- we fail to utilize lists. (good book- Checklist Manifesto if you need some motivation to write lists or just trust me)
Meal prep: more tips below but plan out the week and days accordingly. Send extra water and high protein snacks on long school days with practice and games.
3. Plan Meals Efficiently
Sports schedules often mean you’re eating on the go. Plan your meals in advance and prep them whenever possible. Make use of slow cookers or meal prep containers to ensure healthy, easy-to-heat meals are ready for busy evenings.
Tip: Prep for 3 days at a time of healthy meals at a time twice a week. Think bigger and batch-cook and freeze meals on the weekend so you have nutritious options at your fingertips. Some helpful recipes here for some favorite quick weeknight meals: https://happen365.org/kids-recipes
Nutrition: Athletes require specific nutritional support. Preparing ahead is the only way to keep up with the valuable nutrition and clean options that will help our kids reach their full potential.
Review the nutrition guidelines for specific sports and tools here: https://happen365.org/fuel-your-athlete
4. Streamline Transportation
Coordinating schedules and rides and can be one of the biggest challenges. Plan out practice and game weeknight and weekends with multiple sports between both parents, grandparents and extended family that are available. If family is not available and carpooling isn’t an option, consider organizing a schedule for drop-offs and pick-ups and discuss with work what you may need as the season starts. Pre-planned snack bags can make the trips more pleasant for everyone especially post game.
Tip: Set up a carpooling group with other parents to share the driving duties and lighten your load.
5. Incorporate Fun Into the Routine
Sports should be enjoyable, so don’t let the busy schedule drain the fun out of it. Use practices and games as opportunities to bond as a family and to make new friends with teammate parents. Turn downtime into team events, car rides into sing-alongs, pack a picnic for between games or after the game, or simply use the downtime to catch up with your kids.
Tip: Celebrate small victories and show your support in creative ways, like making personalized cheer signs or having a family movie night after a big game.
Weekend trips: This year we have some far travel for Hockey, so we are making the best of it. Explore new cities when you have some down time and plan ahead. Invite other family members and make it a mini vacation.
6. Self-Care for Parents
Amidst the chaos, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Schedule some downtime, whether it’s a few quiet moments with a book or a workout session. Keeping yourself healthy and happy will make it easier to manage the busy sports season.
Tip: Carve out at least 15 minutes a day for yourself—whether it’s for exercise, a hobby, or simply relaxation.
Find the opportunity for time to regroup: during warm up, downtime between games and travel time to games is a great time to catch up with planning the week schedule, writing the emails and maybe even this blog as I wait for evening Hockey practice to end. As many of you might know between away games is when I catch up on work and start new projects.
7. Stay Flexible
Flexibility is key in any busy schedule. While planning is essential, be prepared for changes and unexpected events. Embrace the chaos with a positive attitude and remember that flexibility will help you manage stress and adapt to last-minute changes.
Tip: Keep a sense of humor and try to enjoy the process—every practice and game is a chance to make lasting memories with your kids.
Conclusion
Back-to-school and travel sports can be a whirlwind, but with a bit of planning and a positive outlook, you can navigate this busy season with ease. By staying organized, preparing ahead, and finding moments of joy in the chaos, you’ll not only survive but thrive during this active time of year.
Remember, you’ve got this! The love and support you provide to your kids are worth every moment of hustle and bustle. Here’s to a successful and fun sports season!
List of books recommended above (no kickback - just great books)
