Alright, listen up, y’all! If your young’uns are into sports, you know it ain’t just them runnin’ around. You’re runnin’ too, back and forth, gettin’ this and gettin’ that. So, lemme tell ya, there’s some things you gotta have if you wanna survive this sports parentin’ gig.
First thing’s first, get yourself a big ol’ bag, a “survival bag,” they call it. Yeah, a survival bag, that’s what we need. Throw everything in it – you never know what you gonna need. Keep it in the car, always ready. ‘Cause let me tell ya, kids forget stuff, they need stuff, and you gotta be the one with the stuff. We moms always have the stuff. This bag? It’s gotta have all sorts in it. Extra socks, ‘cause socks go missin’ like socks always do. Band-Aids, for when they scrape their knees. Snacks, ’cause them kids are always hungry, like little wolves. Water bottles, gotta keep ’em hydrated, don’t want ’em passin’ out on the field. And don’t forget the sunscreen, even on cloudy days, that sun’ll get ya.
Then there’s the extra gear. You think one pair of shoes is enough? Ha! You need extra shoes, extra this, extra that. Gloves, bats, balls – seems like we always need a spare. My boy, he plays baseball, and let me tell you, that bat bag? It’s heavier than a sack of potatoes! And those helmets? Don’t get me started. They take up half the car. So yeah, extra gear is a must-have, even on good days, things break or get lost, it’s always good to have a spare. Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it, that’s what I always say. And those smelly pads? Whew! Gotta have a bag just for them, otherwise the whole car gonna stink.
Now, let’s talk about sittin’. Them bleachers? Hard as a rock. Your back gonna be achin’ after an hour, let alone a whole game, especially them all day tournaments. So, get yourself somethin’ comfy to sit on. A cushion, a blanket, somethin’! Your backside will thank ya. And don’t forget a blanket for those chilly evening games, sitting there cold is the pits. I saw this lady once with a fancy chair, the kind that folds up. Looked mighty comfortable. Maybe I’ll get me one of them. Or at least a good thick blanket to fold over the bleacher. Anything’s better than that cold, hard wood.
- Survival Bag: Packed and ready to go.
- Extra Equipment: Always a spare.
- Comfy Sittin’: Save your back.
- Snacks and Drinks: Feed the beasts.
And the car? Oh, the car! It turns into a locker room on wheels. Stuff everywhere! So, get some organizers, bins, somethin’ to keep it from lookin’ like a tornado hit it. I tried those fancy trunk organizers, but they just got in the way. Now I use those big reusable shopping bags. Toss everything in, and at least it looks a little bit organized. You’ll need to clean out that car often, too, because the crumbs and the smells will catch up with you. Trust me. You try cramming in a bunch of sweaty kids and all their gear in a small car. It ain’t pretty.
Being a sports parent, it ain’t easy. It’s a lot of running around, a lot of yelling ,and a lot of waiting. But seein’ your kid out there, givin’ it their all? That makes it all worthwhile. Just make sure you’re prepared, got all your stuff, and you’ll do just fine. And don’t forget to cheer! Even if they ain’t winnin’, they need to know you’re there for ’em. It’s a lot of driving and waiting, but it is what it is. And remember that survival bag? It ain’t just for the kids. Throw in some aspirin for yourself, because all that yelling and excitement can give you a headache. And maybe a little somethin’ sweet for yourself, too. You deserve it.
So there you have it, the must-haves for sports parents, from a mom who’s been there, done that. Now go out there and support them young’uns! And don’t forget to have fun, even though you’ll probably spend more time driving and sitting on hard bleachers than actually watching the game.
One last thing: Don’t forget the wet wipes. You’ll thank me later. Trust me.
Tags: [sports parents, kids sports, survival bag, sports gear, bleacher comfort, car organization, parent tips]
