Sports Families and Busy Families this is for you!
Sports families, or just busy families with a variety of activities, this is a question for you:
We are going into our busiest sports season, from spring to fall, and a friend asked me what I do to make life run more smoothly during this busy time. I’m going to add my own tips, but if you have ideas, meal plans, or other must have items, feel free to share in the comments!
Here is my list:
A backup case of water in each car
Sports Wagon ( my personal favorite item https://amzn.to/2HviA1a )
A tote for each car that contains:
* blankets
* umbrellas
* plastic bags for dirty shoes
* pocket size first aid kits ( many of these items can be found on Amazon https://amzn.to/2uhrA1n )
* sunscreen ( https://amzn.to/2HutrbB )
* Canvas picnic basket for each car ( https://amzn.to/2JlTO5r )
* non perishable foods
* protein rich snacks
* Fresh fruit and veggies for each trip
* Cut up apples and oranges together in a bag (oranges prevent apples from turning brown)
* Small veggies like cucumber, baby carrots
* I store busy time snacks in a secret location so we don't run out
* Plastic utensils and napkins
Meals:
This time of the year I do many Instapot meals and I put the meal in before a game or practice
* Easy one pot recipes like tuna melts
* nachos
* salads plus a protein
* Freezer meals like Beechers Mac n cheese.
I’m not able to make all games or all practices but I still find sticking to this plan regardless of my schedule has helped me be more prepared. If my husband is handling the night then he is set up or if I’m solo it’s not so overwhelming. We have a younger child so having things set up in advance has helped.
My kids are responsible for their own uniforms; they take them off in our mud room and keep it seperate from the other laundry. I can’t tell you how many times our first season one of them would have to wear a dirty uniform( yuk) or a wet one from not getting dry. So my style is leave it in the utility sink so it doesn’t get buried and then I wash it right away. If it makes it to a bedroom it’s missed to easily with these game days that are close together.
Lastly this is my time of year I do use paper plates a few times during the week just to keep up!
I hope this helps someone manage a busy time or season, and I’m excited to hear what others are doing in the comments below!
Some of my mom friends added their own tips as well:
- Buy a portable oven so you can serve hot meals on the go. I use it primarily for keeping everything hot. It was recommended by another hockey mom and I love it!
- Totes are my saving grace! I have a 5 year old and 9 month old and hubby (he deals with the heavy lifting)
Beach tote: sunscreen, toys, water shoes, swim diaper, swimsuits, granola bars, water bottles, hair ties, wet bag, speaker, chapstick, garbage bag— towel
Ski tote: hats, gloves, socks, diapers, wipes, chapstick,granola bars, toys, blanket, extra clothes for all - ski clothes all hung next to bag
Dirtbiking tote: extra clothes, helmets, gloves, goggles, garbage bags, diapers, wipes, blanket, sunglasses, chapstick, camping chair (next to) sunscreen, bugspray, rain gear, boots,
buy the pre-bagged salads and put them in a Tupperware (keep the dressing and cheese in the plastic pouch in the tupperware so the salad doesn’t get soggy and you have a healthy dinner to munch while kids play their games
All good recommendations!
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