Kid's can benefit from playing team sports in many ways but practice and game schedules can be challenging for families, especially when more than one child is playing. Use these tips to make your child's sports season manageable and enjoyable.
Uniforms:
Practices and games roll around fast and there's nothing worse than searching for soccer cleats (left in the car), basketball shoes (behind the bathroom door), ball gloves (left on the front porch after playing with friends) or uniforms (in the bottom of the laundry basket).
Give your child one bag and have them put all sporting gear into the bag immediately upon returning from a game. Teach them to take off uniforms and put them directly in the washing machine. When they are clean, hand them out to be taken to the game day bag.
Schedules:
When you get your child's schedule, transfer it into your daily calendar but also make copies. Hang one in a place everyone can view easily while making plans. Also keep a copy handy in your car. Make sure the coaches' numbers are on all copies.
Most teams ask parents to bring a drink and snack following one game. Sign up to do this as early in the season as possible to mark it off of your list. Purchase the supplies and put them in the game day bag right away. Write it on your calendar to pack a cooler of ice on the day of your turn.
Other Supplies:
In the car, keep other supplies like sunscreen and hair bands in a bag in the car so they are always with you.
Also, go ahead and buy a case of bottled water and store it in the car. Kids should drink water before all practices and games and after. For outside sports, kids should arrive at practice with their own bottle.
Make kids responsible refrigerating and then taking out cold water. If they forget, it may not be cold, but at least they won't be without water.
Game Etiquette:
Today, for good reason, parents are usually required to read and sign a game etiquette statement. Read it. As a spectator, never yell at officials. Remember, we are trying to teach good sportsmanship here. Resist yelling directions to your child during the game. They should be listening to their coach. Make mental notes and share your criticisms later, after you've complimented them on at least as many things.
When to miss a game:
Obviously your child should never play when they are sick and could be contagious to others.
Seasons are long and often other opportunities arise. Keep a good perspective. Should you skip a family reunion with great grandparents for an eight year-old's soccer game? No. Do be courteous to the team and always inform the coach when your child will miss a game or practice.
When families plan ahead and work together during the season, everybody wins.
