travel ball mom hacks

15 Awesome Baseball Parent Hacks

We’re always looking for ways to make our lives easier so I’ve put together a list of some great hacks you can use to be prepared, stay clean, and avoid stress.

#1 Bag for essentials

Include a  small first aid kit with extra bandages, sharpie, lotion, hand sanitizer , wet wipes, napkins, plastic spoons, pen and pad, safety pins, extra reading glasses , dollar bills for snack bar, sunblock, Benadryl, Advil, tampons, chip clip, kleenex, toothpicks, Lifesavers, and any other items you may need when you’re at the games

#2  Wash baseball pants at the car wash

Baseball pants are really hard to clean so if you have really stubborn stains, take them to the self-serve car wash and hang them on the mat hangers. Use the pressure hose to spray them hard and get out the embedded dirt. A home pressure washer works well, too.

#3  Two gallon zipper bags for cleats

This is a great way to keep your car and your kids’ baseball bag clean. When their cleats are caked with mud after games and practice, just throw them in a 2 gallon zipper bag and seal it up. You’ll save a lot of dirt and sand from getting all over the place. These bags are great and can be used for all kinds of items like large snacks and baseballs.

#4  Keep envelopes in the glove box

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve needed to turn money in for team tournaments or at school at the last minute. I now keep a few envelopes in the car glove box so when I need to give the coach our dues with my kids’ name on it, I’m ready at the field.

#5  Take a picture of the lineup

If you like to keep score like I do, you’re probably familiar with chasing the coach around trying to get a lineup so you can put it in your iPad or on your scoring book.  Take a quick picture of the lineup card with your phone so you can give the coach back the card and go back to your seat and enter it.

#6  Put sunflower seeds in an empty creamer container.

This just makes it easy to dispense the seeds at the game and you won’t have to worry about a package that doesn’t close or dirty hands. Your seeds will also stay fresh longer. This trick can also be used for nuts and Cheerios.

#7  Use dryer sheets for smelly items

Dryer sheets have all sorts of uses, but the best one for sports parents is to get rid of smells. Place them into cleats, hats, or baseball bags to freshen them up.

#8  Make a uniform bag ahead of time

Take stress out of your life by not having to run around looking for pants, belt, socks, jersey, athletic supporter, and cap by making a small bag ahead of time or right after you do the laundry. Then just hang it on the bedroom door and it’s ready to go.

#9  Ice pack sponges

These are a great thing to have ready in the freezer for those bumps and bruises which are sure to happen. Just wet a sponge, ring it out, and place into a zipper bag and freeze. These can also be used as ice packs for lunch boxes or small coolers at practices & games.

#10  Have a portable phone charger at long day tournaments

I can’t tell you how many times my phone has died after the first game on a tournament day, and I was unable to get calls or take pictures. I’ve gotten myself one of these portable chargers and these will charge your phone three or four times before you have to recharge them. A must-have for long days away from an outlet.

#11 Take photos of your kids’ insurance cards and birth certificates or scan them into your phone

Sometimes injuries happen at games and you don’t want to be without your insurance cards. What if you forget them and something happens? I’ve seen kids get taken to the hospital in an ambulance, so freak accidents do happen. You also may need their birth certificate for a team or tournament, and it’s good to have it in your phone. I have my kids’ insurance cards and birth certificates scanned to PDF files, and I emailed them to my iPhone so I could open them in iBooks. That way I can print them or email them if I’m away from home.

#12 Bring bungee cords to attach your umbrella to a fence, chair, or bleachers

In can get windy at the games and I don’t want my umbrella to blow over. I always bring bungee cords so I can hook it to a fence or something else so it stays up.

#13 Have a parent record your kid’s at bats on Facebook Live if you can’t be there.

This is a video that a friend of mine posted when his kid did Allstars this year. He posted all of the games and many of us who couldn’t go to the games watched on his Facebook stream. Another great thing you can do with your phone!

#14 Freeze water bottles to put in your cooler

This one came from a reader’s comment below and what a great idea. Freeze a few water bottles for your ice chest and you will have very cold water for the whole day. They also act as ice packs keeping everything else cold.

#15 Take a photo of tournament brackets so you’ll have easy access to them later

I don’t know why I didn’t think of this sooner. You can even do this from your phone, or if the bracket is really big, put it on your computer screen and take a photo. It will save you from going back into the website over and over.

I would love to hear any great baseball parent hacks, so please feel free to leave some in the comments below.

Post navigation

Previous post.

12 Comments

This article is very helpful! I remember softball games as a kid where my mom had to carry a bunch of this. This will definitely be useful for anyone new to being a baseball parent.

I don’t mean to be the grammar police ;p but on #9 there is a typo in the last sentence.

Other than that, I really enjoyed reading your article. It is well written and relatable.

HA…thanks Katie. I like the grammar police and I appreciate your keen eye in pointing that out. I hate having mistakes on my page. I will go and fix it. And thanks for visiting my page. 🙂

My son has the new style pants with no elastic in the bottom. Needless to say they are too long. However, I want the pants to last a couple years so don’t want to cut them off and hem them, so I duct tape the hem and no one is any wiser!

Another great idea! Thanks for sharing and I will add that to my re-write. 🙂

Did the duct tape get stuck on the pants by any chance?

I’m not sure if you mean at the car wash, but they usually have clips to hold car mats that you can use to hang the pants. 🙂

11. Take a photo of the bracket/schedule so you can quickly see who and when you’re playing next.

12. Freeze a few water bottles, they will slowly thaw and you’ve got cold water for those all-day tourneys, plus it helps to keep whatever else is in your cooler cold.

Awesome ideas! I need to do a re-write and make it like 15 hacks!

I sew a 3 inch piece of velco along the seems on the inside of the pants… scratchy side at the bottom of the leg and soft side about 3 or 4 inches up than fold pants under and stick the velco to each other. There you go shorter pants.

Great idea! 🙂

White Brite is another great way to get those white pants looking brand new again. Soak in hot water for about 15 to 30 minutes and then wash like normal. I’ve used this for 3 seasons now and it’s worked great every time.

Oh I definitely need to try that. Thanks for the tip! 🙂

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. *

• Baseball Mom Blog
• FREE E-book: The Baseball Mom Playbook
• Gear and Fashion
• Holidays & Celebrations
• Weekends at Home
• Games and Tournaments
• My Etsy Shop
• Team Mom Organization
• Home Organization

Car Organization

• Equipment Organization

Car Organization Ideas for Baseball Moms

When your kids play travel baseball, you spend a ton of time in your car.

You likely spend several hours per week transporting your players to and from practices, games, and tournaments in the spring and summer. You carry dirty gear and food and drinks. You shelter in the car during a passing rain shower. And if your family is anything like mine, it will become evident very quickly, by both smell and appearance, that baseball players use the car.

I’m sure you can relate: you’ll have that unmistakable layer of red dirt, turf beads, or sand covering your floor. Gum and energy bar wrappers stuffed into drink holders. And the slightly musty smell from a mostly empty Gatorade bottle that rolled under the front seat, which ended up next to a random sock.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The thing is, I like to keep my car CLEAN. And frankly, with my kids, it’s almost a losing battle during baseball season. I’ve resigned myself to a certain amount of dirt ending up on the floor. But that doesn’t mean that I can’t try to have a clean and organized car.

Here are some car organization ideas for Baseball Moms, and a few tips to keep it clean (well, semi-clean) during baseball season.

Start with a Clean Car

This may be obvious, but starting with a clean car will make the organization process easier. Get the mess makers (i.e. your kids) involved. Look deep under all the seats and locate every fossilized french fry, straw wrapper, and capless tube of lip balm. Get into the glove compartment and clean out everything that doesn’t need to be there (a single glove? a used mask from 2020? expired proof of insurance?). Remove the floor mats, and give the floor a good vacuum. Wipe off all the surfaces. Clean the windows and windshields. Finish off by running the car through a car wash to clean off the last of winter road salt.

Once the car is clean inside and out, it’s time to organize your car for efficiency. Organizing also helps keep your car clean by giving everything a place for storage.

I use these back of seat organizers to keep my kid’s seats organized. There is plenty of room for them to store a mask, their sunglasses, lip balm, snacks, etc. Bonus – the seat organizers protect the seat from dirty kick marks and come in a 2 pack.

Having a trash can in your car is so important to keep your car clean. On long trips we use a large box lined with a garbage bag. However, for everyday use you probably want something more aesthetically pleasing. Well, at least as aesthetically pleasing as a ‘car wastebasket’ could possibly be. This EPAuto Car Wastebasket is not only compact but, more importantly, waterproof. Just get in the habit of emptying it regularly.

Also, if you don’t already have rubber floor mats , I recommend you get them. Thank me later.

Trunk Organization

Depending on how many players you have in your family, you want to allocate at least half of the trunk to leave room for their bat bags (and catcher’s gear, if that applies).

The other half will likely be used for chairs, coolers, and your gear.

If you have the space, I recommend getting a trunk organizer. This Drive Auto Products Trunk Organizer is similar to the one I use in my own car. I like it because it has dividers to keep stuff separated, and collapses when I don’t need it.

Stock Your Trunk for Baseball Season

Now that you’re organized, it’s time to stock your trunk for Baseball Season.

For your trunk organizer, here are some recommendations:

• A roll of Paper Towels (for wiping faces, hands, use as napkins, etc. – too many uses to count here)
• Garbage bags (for cleats, trash, protecting seats from wet or muddy clothing)
• Wet Wipes (for cleaning hands and faces)
• A windproof blanket – here is the one I recommend
• A First Aid Kit – Need One? Here’s how to build your own First Aid Kit
• A sweatshirt, hat and gloves (because Spring weather is *crazy*)
• An umbrella ( here is an extra large and windproof one that I use and love )
• A roll of toilet paper (learned this one the hard way)
• One pair of extra socks, per kid (because no one wants to play a second game in wet socks)

If you still have room in the trunk, throw in a separate plastic storage container as well, like this one . We use this for dirty/sweaty/stinky cleats. No need for a lid, we just use the box portion. It’s a good habit to get your kids to remove their cleats before getting in the car.

Fun and Functional Extras for your car

Now that your car is clean and organized, you can add functional ‘extras’ that upgrade the look and feel of your vehicle:

• Your vehicle’s clean, but still smells like a locker room? Make your SUV smell amazing with this portable USB Aromatheraphy Diffuser that fits right into your cup holder. Just a drop or two of essential oil (I recommend peppermint, orange, or lavender essential oils ) and your car won’t smell like stinky cleats and sweaty teenagers.
• Always misplacing your sunglasses? Never lose your shades again with this cheap-but-looks-expensive Magnetic Leather Sunglass Holder that attaches securely to your visor, then snaps shut securely with magnets.
• Clean seats and floors instantly make your vehicle look clean. The Bissell AeroSlim Car Vacuum charges and stores right in your car, for cleaning on the go.

Maintain your Organization

Now that your car is clean and organized, get your family involved to make sure it stays that way.

• Get your kids in the habit of removing their cleats after practice and games. Store those stinky/wet/dirty cleats in the trunk. Get your kids slides or Crocs that they can slip into before they get in the car.
• Immediately empty the car after games and tournaments (take it from me: coolers, drinks, food, sweaty uniforms, and trash don’t improve the smell of a car in July).
• Pro tip: Keep a car vacuum (like the Bissell AeroSlim ) stored in your car, along with a microfiber towel. Next time you’re waiting for practice to end, take a minute or two to wipe down the dashboard, center console, and any other hard surfaces with the microfiber towel, then follow up with a quick vacuum of the seats with this amazing USB powered Car Vacuum. Your car will look instantly better!
• Shake out rubber floor mats weekly.
• Empty the trash can regularly.

These car organization ideas are proven ways to keep your car clean and functional. With a little bit of upfront work, and a little bit of daily and weekly maintenance, you can organize your car for baseball season. Involve you family so that you can all enjoy a clean, organized, and (mostly) nice smelling car the entire baseball season.

Is Sports Equipment taking over your garage? Check out this recent post about organizing the mess.

Want to know my favorite Baseball Mom Home Organization hack? Check out this recent post about how I use virtual AI assistant technology to keep my family organized.

You May Also Like

Air fryer boneless pork chops, rotisserie chicken fried rice, baseball bedroom ideas, team mom organization tips, baseball first aid kit.

Simplify Your Family's Emergency Preparedness

10 baseball mom hacks for little league you haven’t heard before.

I. Love. Baseball. It is the only sport I can watch and really understand; I feel like I have a pretty good handle on the rules and the object of the game. It is slow enough and the players are spread out enough that I can actually tell what’s going on.

Put me in front of a football game and 9 times out of 10, I have no clue where the ball is. All I see is a sea of guys running into each other. Basketball has way too many rules and I just get claustrophobic watching those poor players try to take a shot. I feel like everyone should move aside and let the dude just show us what he can do! Baseball is just perfect for a gal like me. So you can imagine my enthusiasm when my kids took to the sport!

Cody was the first one to make me a baseball mom. He’s been playing since he was 3 years old, and I swear that kid has more focus for this sport than I’ve ever seen in a kid. His head is always in the game. Always . Kambree and Hallie both tried out baseball for a couple years but quit when they found gymnastics. Briggs joined in the fun when he was old enough for T-ball, and then I got lucky enough to add a husband and a stepson to our growing roster.

I certainly don’t claim to be a pro, but I am learning as I go, and there are a few things I really wish someone would have told me sooner! And then there are some things that I have just figured out for myself over the years. Regardless of their origin, here are 10 hacks/tips to help you be a happy baseball mom!

**This post contains affiliate links; using my links helps to support my blogging and my family at no extra cost to you.**

#1 – LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL BELTS

This first Little League tip is one that I came up with ALL on my own. Get excited. This is an original!

Most Little League belts come in two different types of material. The long part of the belt is always the stretchy polyester or elastic or whatever material it is. But the ends are either plastic or leather.

I’m going to give you a tip that will CHANGE YOUR LIFE for baseball season. BUY THE PLASTIC ONE. And here’s why.

Have you noticed that the stupid belts are too big for the stupid loops in the stupid Little League baseball pants?! The end of the belt fits fine, but as soon as you get to the first metal thingy that allows you to adjust the size of the belt, you have a problem.

This reminds me of that scene in “Father of the Bride” where Steve Martin FREAKS OUT in the grocery store. Remember that? Oh my gosh, I have to share this. If you need a laugh today, watch this 2-minute clip. If not, carry on below.

I’m dying! Love that movie. Okay. Back to baseball. So I kind of feel like Steve Martin. I feel like some BIGSHOT over at the pants company got together with some BIGSHOT over at the belt company, and decided to rip off the American public!

But they aren’t even ripping us off because we can’t even pay to have this problem fixed! They must just secretly be laughing their guts out, thinking of all those parents across America who are cursing at 7am every Saturday morning trying to fit these stupid belts through the belt loops on their little tee-ballers’ uniforms. Well guess what! MELANIE PAPWORTH IS SAYING NO!

So I buy the plastic belts. They still have the metal thing that is too tall for the belt loops, but if you get the plastic belts, you can WASH THEM WITH THE PANTS! Which means something glorious; you only have to thread that belt through that belt loop once for the whole season. From that day forward, you need only to take the pants with the belt still intact, and wash them together as one single unit.

I guess you could still do this with a leather belt, but your belt will end up looking like this after just a couple washes. When I saw that happen, I immediately went and got replacement belts that were PLASTIC, and kept the leather ones only as backups.

#2 – SPRAY PAINT THOSE CLEATS!

Yep. No shame. We have girls and boys. Of course the girls wanted pink cleats, and of course I gave in. A couple years ago, we switched out the pink laces for black, and used a black sharpie to color the pink parts of my daughter’s old cleats for one of the boys. Good as new!

This year my husband full-on spray painted a pair of cleats for Briggs. They went from an old dingy black and pink to a nice clean, shiny black! Works like a charm.

#3 – CUP UNDERWEAR / SLIDERS

Have you ever seen a 4-year-old try to put a cup in cup underwear by himself? It’s a tricky fit sometimes. And it always seems to take forever to get it all adjusted and get the rubber to break free from the fabric of the underwear, when you’re already running late to get out the door.

Do everyone a favor and get the cup situated in the cup underwear when you are putting the underwear away.

Also…as soon as your player gets to the age where they are allowed to slide, stop buying cup underwear, and get sliders instead. No one told me about sliders! I had no clue until my son’s coach mentioned how the boys could just wear their sliders under basketball shorts for practice for a week when it was pushing 110 degrees. I’m sorry…what the heck are sliders?!

I quickly learned that they are underwear/shorts to help provide another layer between their skin and the dirt when the players slide. They have a pocket for a cup just like normal cup underwear.

My next tip: not all sliders are created equal. They are all expensive, so you might as well find some that have a little bit of padding on the sides. Any extra padding can’t hurt. Cody has really liked thes e sliders . They don’t come with a cup, but he already had cups from the cup underwear I had already bought him. Ugh!

#4 – UNIFORM BAG

I used to just have a baseball section in my kids’ closet. Kind of like an underwear or socks compartment. I still do, but that is just for practice clothes. That compartment has old baseball pants, hats, belts, socks, etc that they can wear to practice.

I now have a drawstring bag hanging in each of the boys’ closets that is strictly for their game day uniforms. As I wash the different parts of their uniforms, they go directly into their uniform bags as I do the laundry. This prevents the kids from getting their game day uniforms dirty at practice. It just makes my job of keeping up with the laundry easier.

Then the night before a game, I take everything out and make sure they have all of the parts to their uniforms. That way we aren’t panicking on our way out the door because we have lost a hat or can’t find clean sliders, etc. By laying their uniforms out the night before, I am alerted if anything is still lost in the laundry somewhere, and I still have time to get it washed and dried before the game the next day. Also, don’t forget your Baseball Flip Flops!

**Note: If you or anyone else in the family has a team jersey to wear, or at least something with team colors, lay out those outfits the night before to make sure you have your team spirit outfits ready to go too! Don’t forget ribbons for little sisters’ hair!

This system is definitely easier now that we have been in the baseball scene for a while. If this is your first season, you probably don’t have spares of everything quite yet. However, most younger kids don’t wear baseball clothes to practice anyway. They just wear whatever comfy pants and shirts they want to, so you don’t need to have doubles of things to make this system work.

#5 – VIDEOING

I go off and on with this one. I want to capture a great moment in the game on video, but I also want to just enjoy myself and watch the game without the stress of catching everything on film. I also hate having 50 videos from the game, and having to go back later and weed through them to find the one I wanted to keep.

My tip for this one is, sometimes you’ve just gotta record, and sometimes you’ve just gotta watch.

If you have other kids who can operate your recording device, you could always let them give the role of videographer a try. They may not capture anything great, but it will keep them busy for a while. And there is a chance they will catch something decent on film!

If you do decide to film, I would recommend taking several short videos, and trying to delete them as you go.

What I mean by that is, if I start recording and then something lame happens that I don’t care to have on video, I will hurry and stop and start the recording again. That way I don’t have 3 seconds of cool in the middle of 2 minutes of boring.

If I have time right after I take an insignificant video, I will delete it right then and there. This helps cut back on the time I have to spend later to decide which ones to delete and which ones to keep. It feels so good to come out of a game with only a couple more videos on my phone than I went in with. Even if I have taken a hundred super short clips…I delete the boring ones as I go, so I don’t have to go back and watch all the boring ones again, to know if I should delete them or not.

#6 – PLAYERS’ NAMES

There is just something cool about cheering for each kid by name. I love it. I love it when I hear other parents doing it. And you can bet that the kid who is being cheered for loves it!

But I have to admit…my husband is usually the one who takes kids to baseball practice and actually stays. If I am taking them to practice, I am almost certainly dropping them off and running the next kid to the next field or gym or church activity. I hardly know the team by the time opening day arrives. Not only that, but once you put a bunch of 6-year-olds in the exact same clothes and slap an extra large hat on each of their heads, I can’t even tell which kid is mine half the time…let alone figure out the others.

One thing I started doing was taking notes on my phone. When a kid would get up to bat and others were cheering for him or her by name, I would whip out my Baseball Note and type in the name of the player next to their number. Then if I wanted to cheer for someone, all I would need was their number. I could look them up on my note and cheer for them by name. I loved having a cheat sheet at the tip of my fingers until I learned all the names and faces!

This year, I started this note on the first day of practice. All the parents were just standing around watching the kids, so I struck up a conversation with 4 different parents and made a note in my phone of the parents’ names along with their kids’ names. The kids don’t have numbers yet, but I wrote a little description and any other info that would distinguish them from the others. Call me creepy. I’m just a busy mom trying to learn who my kids’ teammates are.

#7 – SEEDS

Seeds. Ugh. I don’t understand what the big draw is. I’ve never figured it out. But…everyone else seems to love them. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve had an entire bag of sunflower seeds dump in a bat bag, in our wagon, or in our car. Most bags of seeds come with a zipper top, but the zipper closure is really stiff and usually doesn’t seal.

We have a gazillion water bottles from different events, but we really only use the good vacuum insulated ones that actually keep your drinks cold. So I have repurposed some of those random water bottles to be the new seeds containers. They are air tight so they keep the seeds nice and fresh, and the lids actually seal, so they don’t spill!

#8 – DIY NACHOS

4 letters: BYON. Bring. Your. Own. Nachos.

This is not to save money. This is just for pure safety.

I love the Snack Shack… for closed, prepackaged items. I have worked in enough Snack Shacks to know that there is a good chance anything that is not in a sealed package has either been on the floor or at the very least handled by un-gloved hands that have touched who knows what since their last wash with soap. The ones that are run by adults may be a smidge more prone to non-gross-ness, but any Snack Shack that is run by teenagers is not able to be trusted if you’d like to live to see the result of your kid’s baseball season.

I once saw an entire bag of chips spill on the floor and the kid who was “in charge” just scooped them all up and put them back into the bag. Gross. Just gross. I haven’t bought nachos from a Snack Shack since. We bring our own instead.

Smart N Final has everything you need!

• I made a one-time purchase of the styrofoam to-go containers for under $10 and they have lasted us 3 baseball seasons.
• Their big bag of tortilla chips is perfect – they are the classic nachos chips and they are a great price. You can also get a similar price/chip at Costco.
• I love the nacho cheese they have at Smart N Final. I have tried a lot of different nacho cheeses. I am very picky and so are my kids. My kids won’t eat it unless the nacho cheese is 100% smooth with no chunks. So Que Bueno from Costco is out. I have tried every brand that the Winco by us sells, and none of them are worth it. I am super sensitive to spice, but you don’t want to feel like you’ve squeezed a packet of Velveeta cheese onto your chips either. There has to be SOME level of kick to it. But a VERY SMALL kick. And that’s why I love the cheese I have found at Smart N Final. The brand is Trenton Farms and it comes in a big #10 can and is only $6.49 (and I live in California…I would imagine it is cheaper in other states).
• **Sidenote: I bought little plastic cups to pour the nacho cheese in because I hate having the cheese dumped all over the chips; you always end up with a few unedible soggy chips and that drives me crazy. It turns out that was a bad idea, because it is really hard to scoop a round tortilla chip into such a tiny cup. So I would recommend not doing the cups.**

If I am really on my game, we will assemble these as a team.

• I assign one of the kids to label each styrofoam container with our names using a sharpie
• Another kid fills each container with chips
• Another kid carries the closed, chip-filled styrofoam containers out and stacks them in our wagon in the garage.
• I warm up the nacho cheese in a saucepan and when it is nice and bubbly, I pour it into a thermos and we’re ready to roll.

Yes, I realize the nacho cheese is in a very large can. The Smart & Final where we used to live had an awesome brand of nacho cheese in a normal-sized can, but I haven’t seen it for a couple years. If you can find the Montecito brand, that is amazing. A little spicy for my taste, but it’s manageable. Since I haven’t been able to find it here, I have switched to this large can of Trenton Farms.

If it makes you feel better, this huge can of Trenton Farms is less than the price of 3 little cans of any brand of nacho cheese out there. And you are getting a heck of a lot more nacho cheese in a #10 can than you get in a normal can. So the price per ounce is insanely cheaper to get the big can. And you don’t have to use the whole can in one day! I usually only heat up about 1/3 the can and put the rest in the fridge for another day.

#9 – GATORADE

My kids are Gatorade snobs and don’t like the powdered stuff that you add to water, so I end up being suckered into buying bottles of Gatorade. I get them at Costco, and rarely do I pay full price for them at Costco. I wait til they go on a coupon, buy the max every time I go, and find excuses to go extra times in the months that Gatorade is on a coupon.

I noticed last year that Gatorade only went on a coupon once throughout the whole baseball season last year and I was super disappointed. They’re onto us! So if you see them on a coupon, STOCK UP! And if you’re there with your husband, have your husband get the max in a separate cart, so you can get double 🙂

To save money further on the purchasing of Gatorade at Costco issue, let’s talk about the small bottles versus the big bottles. I am the dork who pulls out my phone and figures out the price per ounce or price per bottle or whatever it is, right there at the store.

I hate paying more per ounce than is available in a different option or quantity. And sometimes looks can be deceiving. Sometimes we just assume that the more we buy or the bigger the package, the bigger the savings. This is not always the case.

I love Costco because they do the math for you on their price tags! Have you ever noticed on the price tags it says the price and then the price per ounce or price per each is in the bottom left-hand corner? They even have that math done for you on the sale price when things are on sale. BE SURE TO CHECK THESE before purchasing!

When you are in charge of providing a snack for the entire team, you may be tempted to buy the mini ones because they appear cheaper. However, when the big (normal) Gatorades are on sale and the mini ones are not, the normal ones are actually cheaper PER BOTTLE. Not only per ounce, but also PER BOTTLE.

#10 – HALF-FROZEN WATER BOTTLE

Most of the time I am on my game and have drinks in the fridge well in advance, insulated water bottles clean and ready to go, and have a cooler bag packed for game days. However, there’s always that day where nothing goes as planned – the drinks never made it in the fridge, the insulated water bottles got left in the bat bags for a week and are disgusting, etc, etc, etc. For those days, it’s nice to have a couple half-filled frozen water bottles.

If you dump about half (or even a little more than half) of the water out of a disposable water bottle and then freeze it, you have an easy way to pack ice water with you on the go. Just open the bottle, poor fresh water in, and you have instant ice water that should stay cold for a quite a while. I love having this as a backup option for crazy days when we are in a hurry and need some cold water to go!

**NOTE on ICE COLD WATER: After 10+ years of testing insulated water bottles of all different sizes, brands, and materials, I am happy and confident to recommend the YETI 18-ounce Rambler bottle .

WHY I LOVE THE YETI 18-ounce Rambler bottle :

• Indestructible! Seriously. Even the lid. Nothing about this can break. It’s amazing.
• Dishwasher Safe
• WIDE-MOUTH LID, so you can fill it from your ice-maker without 95% of the ice cubes missing the opening and landing on your kitchen floor!
• Fits in normal-sized cupholders (they have this same Rambler in bigger sizes, but the base is wider, and therefore they don’t fit in normal cupholders…heads up – we have a couple 26-ounce ones and I love that they all use the same size lids!
• THIS LID is the best thing ever. Leak-proof, comfy mouthpiece, 2 straws included
• Keeps drinks ICE cold

Be sure to pin this on Pinterest to your Baseball/Kids Sports board!

Check out more BASEBALL POSTS:

Prepared Baseball Mom Wagon

The BEST GIFT EVER for Baseball Lovers (plus a $20 off coupon)

Baseball Mom Help: Printable Little League Game Day Checklist

Baseball Flip Flops

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience.

Home › Blog › 21 All-Star Sports Moms Tips

21 All-Star Sports Moms Tips

By Donella Crigger

Published Jun 15, 2023

Updated Jun 22, 2023

You and your kids are heading to sporting activities all the time. As a mom chauffeur and biggest fan, we know you need all the sports mom tips and hacks that you can get! Whether you’re at the batting cages, running them to basketball practice, tournaments, or hauling a van full of cheerleaders, being a sports mom is a lot of work (and a lot of fun).

Being a sports mom requires a lot of organization, electrolytes, patience, encouragement, and time. But the rewards are so life-giving. Seeing your child’s beaming face after their first goal, first game, or home run is worth every ounce of effort you’ve poured in.

Genius Sports Mom Tips and Hacks

1. muffin tin drink holders for mom duty.

Hauling drinks for the team? This is a great tip for those days when you’re just stopping along the way home from work to pick up some drinks, but don’t want to have them spill all over your van.

Put the muffin tin in a small laundry basket . It’ll hold 12 drinks, and you don’t have to worry about spills! You’ll arrive at the field with drinks and straws for the team.  And, perhaps a warm, unspilled coffee for you to sit and relax with on the bench. Brilliant!

DIY Sports Mom Tips and Survival Kits

These ‘ouch’ kits are an important part of being a sports mom on or off the field. Aren’t moms always the hero when it comes to helping our kids feel better? These tips will help you gain brownie points and your kids will thank you for all of your forethought.

2. Frozen Aloe Vera Gel will score you a big mom win!

We all know what it’s like to be in the hot sun at the field on those long tournament days. Even though you’ve applied and reapplied sunscreen, your kiddo comes home suffering from sunburn. It is so great to have  Frozen aloe vera gel ready in your freezer when you walk in the door! It works wonders to relieve tender skin in a short time!

3. Emergency on-the-go Med Box

Every mom on the go needs a little emergency box. You know the routine. As soon as you get the game, your kiddo tells you they’re not feeling well. No more rummaging through your handbag in hopes of finding what you need to get your kiddo back in the game. Allergies? Cramps? Sore muscles? A scraped knee? You’ve got it covered!

4. Rubbing Alcohol Ice Packs

Injuries are part of any sports games! Right? We watch our kids play hard. But unfortunately, they sometimes stress their muscles and feel some aches and pains. You will be their hero when you can send them to the freezer for a rubbing alcohol ice pack.

Make your own ice packs using 3 parts water to 1 part rubbing alcohol. Dye the contents blue if you want to make it obvious that it’s not just ice in the bag. This ice pack will not freeze completely, but it gets really cold, so you can put it on just about any part of the body easily.

Here are a few other ways to do it !

5. Essential first aid kit for all sports moms

And if you’re new to the sports mom arena, it’s always helpful to know what the more experienced moms carry in their bags. Here’s a good example :

• antibacterial wipes
• hand sanitizer
• a first aid kit
• bug spray… and more.

Here’s another example !

6. Keep those hair elastics in one place

Yes, not having a hair elastic is considered an emergency! Keep enough hair elastics on hand to get you through the entire season. Put them on a carabiner to keep them organized.

Here are more fun ways to keep those hair elastics (and other accessories) organized !

7. Hair Emergency Kit

Small tins can come in so handy and this tin will be the lifesaver when hair gets in the way of saving a goal! Help your kiddos keep the hair out of their faces by keeping this hair emergency kit on hand. Seriously… it will come in  so handy!

All-star sports mom tips for cleaning!

8. clean those moldy water bottles.

Did you leave another water bottle in a hot car for a few days? Mold… gross! But you don’t need to throw it out. There’s an easy way to get mold out of water bottles .

Just fill the bottle 2/3 full of hot water. Add 1 tsp. of bleach. Give it a good shake and let it sit for a few hours. Then throw it in the dishwasher or wash by hand with soapy water and Voila!

9. Need those white sport shoes cleaned in a hurry?

We’ve all been at the game, only to look down at our kid’s shoes to see a big black smudge. You will be the mom hero when you grab your   magic eraser to clean white shoes   as they head onto the court.

10. Use this essential sports cleaner

Baseball moms, take note. Sports Cleaner , when combined with Fels Naptha soap, can get out just about any stain … grass, dirt, ring around the collar… you name it.

What??? Finding this sports moms tip was probably the best life saver for me! I always wondered how the professionals get their uniforms cleaned so beautifully!

Die-hard Sports Mom Tips for Organization

Being a sports mom takes a lot of organization. Just getting our kids to the games on time, fed and dressed, with all of their equipment in tow is a feat. I’m always on the lookout for more sports mom tips to help me nail this. You too?

11. Team reminder sheet

Don’t you hate it when you don’t remember the other teammates’ names and numbers? Attach this sheet to your bag so you’ll always remember!

12. Baseball necklace for each sports mom on your team

And isn’t it hard to remember who’s mom is who’s? You want to encourage the mom and the kiddo. Make easy softball or baseball necklaces for players or team moms using fender washers . You could even add the players name to the necklace. Cheap and easy!

13. Build your own drying rack for the stinky gear!

Sports equipment stinks ! Build your own drying rack to let that gear air out in between uses. Great for football and hockey players. All you need is someone to magically get it from their bag onto the rack!

Here’s another way to do it, with a video !

14. Dugout helmet organizer for the most genius sports mom tip!

Tired of picking up helmets off the ground or the scramble of finding the players helmet just before batting time? The dugout buddy here is made from two closet organizers and some stickers for the players’ names. Genius!

Sports Mom Tips for the Win!

15. good luck basket for the most awesome sports mom tip.

What kiddo doesn’t like a little surprise? Put a themed “ good luck basket ” together for the kids on the team. It may be corny, but it will give them all a boost before a big game.

16. Coffee creamer containers for game snacks

Aren’t you tired of crushed snacks? Save your coffee creamer containers to take snacks to games and practices. Why have I never thought to reuse these before?

17. Basketball Treats

Our kiddos love treats! And having a sports themed treat is even better! Make easy basketball-themed treats with Oreos and dipping chocolate! Use orange candy melts for basketball, white for baseball, etc. Yummy and fun!

Sports Mom Memorabilia

18. jazz up a uniform hanger.

What a great idea for a gift or for a craft activity to do with your cheerleader. Or, for. even more fun, gather the team together and do it as a team building activity! Jazz up and personalize a uniform hanger  to add some extra pride for your child.

19. Revamp old trophies

Gather some old trophies from the far corners of your friend’s basements. Wouldn’t it be fun to award each player their own team colored trophy? Or you could revamp those old trophies that your kiddo’s aren’t crazy about anymore and paint them to match their room decor. All you need is some spray paint, and now you have some cool pieces to use as decor in a sports-themed room!

20. Create a team spirit wreath

Make an EASY team spirit wreath to display in your home (show some school pride) or to give on as a gift. I bet coaches would love it! Plastic tablecloths from Dollar Tree, a straw wreath and something to go in the middle (like the license plate shown here) are all you need.

For those Fanatic Sports Moms!

21. pop-up tents for rain or shine protection.

These moms are brilliant! Their pop-up tents provide them with shade and keep them covered in case of rain. We know how many times we’ve been freezing cold or sunburned or drenched with rain wishing we had some kind of cover. And, since the zipper opens up, the kids can still hear their mom’s loud cheers! This idea is a keeper for sure.

More Sports Mom Hacks and Tips From One Crazy House:

• Looking for ways to keep kids from being bored? Find activities and sports tips you can do as a family, both within your own home and outside, too!
• Cleaning and storing sports equipment can be a challenge. Learn how a busy sports mom keeps sports equipment organized here.
• Now you can take care of your car the way you take care of your house and the kids — quickly, easily, conveniently. Find out how!
• Whether you’re going to a track meet or traveling to a faraway tournament, here’s what you want to pack . And here are some sports mom tips to make your big event the best.
• Dinner ideas for the sports mom, healthy meals for the whole family, diet recipes, food, and nutrition tips are all here!

Which of these sports mom hacks and tips do you find helpful? I like the snacks the most!

EASY MEALS, HAPPY FAMILIES

Tired of the daily dinner dilemma? Grab our FREE Meals Made Easy Planner and say hello to quick, satisfying family meals. Plus, get our BONUS Low-Stress Lunchbox Planner FREE for a limited time!

You Might Also Like

15 Easy Bun Hairstyles to Rock This Summer

15 Simple Hairstyles that are Half Up

Family Meals Just Got Easier with our Free Printable Meal Planner

Ultimate Mom Planner: Juggling Work, Parenting, and Self-Care

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

FEATURED BY

©2024 DIY House Hacks - One Crazy House. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy • Disclosure Policy • Powered by CultivateWP .

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to footer

That Baseball Mom

What is Daddy Ball? And what is it not?!

10 Must Haves for your Car for Baseball Season

The Best Cold Weather Gear for Baseball Moms

White Elephant Gift Ideas

Latest from the blog.

The Best Sunglasses for Baseball Moms

Baseball Moms (and all sports moms) know the woes of having to stare into the sun long weekends at a time during baseball season. Sunglasses are a must for us moms and today we’re rounding…

Continue Reading The Best Sunglasses for Baseball Moms

Easy Baseball Cookies

At the end of every season our travel baseball team has a team party where everyone brings a treat or side dish to enjoy. I always love seeing what people come up with to share…

Continue Reading Easy Baseball Cookies

The Best Women’s Sandals for the Ballpark

If you know what a tournament weekend is like at the ballpark, you know that you need to be prepared with the right footwear. While you’re busy packing your Baseball Mom bag with all the…

Continue Reading The Best Women’s Sandals for the Ballpark

The Best Portable Speakers for Walk Up Songs

You guys love our post about Walk Up songs and ideas for warm up music, so we thought we’d take it a step further and give our recommendations for the Best Portable Speakers for playing…

Continue Reading The Best Portable Speakers for Walk Up Songs

What to keep in your Baseball Mom Bag

(**Read in my best news anchor voice for dramatic effect…*) We want to be prepared for the unexpected. We want to know that when we have to be ballpark warriors and sit in scorching heat…

Continue Reading What to keep in your Baseball Mom Bag

Baseball Pancakes

We’re always looking for fun Baseball Themed Foods here at That Baseball Mom dot com and today we wanted to share with you a cute and easy way to give a nod to your baller’s…

Continue Reading Baseball Pancakes

Modern Sports Mom

Ideas, tips, and recipes, for today's sports mom.

20 Essentials to Pack for Tournaments

20 Essentials to Pack for Tournaments- Always be ready to hit the road for a travel or local sports tournament with this checklist of 20 essentials you just can’t forget to pack. Whether it’s packing for a baseball tournament , softball, football, soccer, or something else, this list will help you remember all of the important items that are easily forgotten!

When my son played rec baseball packing for games was a piece of cake. All of my game gear lived in the trunk, I just slapped some sunscreen on the fam and headed to the field.  Now that he plays on a travel team, packing for a baseball tournament is a whole new adventure. Every weekend, several days at a time, we’re in another city, and occasionally in another state. It’s not unusual to spend days at a field in a strange town, and nights in a hotel room. Sure, I pack all of the necessary basics, but I have been known to forget several important items, and having to make a stop at the local big box store isn’t exactly my idea of a fun trip. It took several tournament weekends to get my baseball packing just right.

If you’re a travel ball mom, or if your older child is playing at college showcases, you will likely be spending many days on the road this summer.

20 Essentials to Pack for Travel Tournaments

For the games:.

While many tournament rules do not allow coolers on the fields, you should be able to keep one in your car. Fill it with ice and keep your drinks and snacks cool. If coolers are allowed then a good one with wheels is great.

If you’re a camping family, or spend a lot of time at tournaments, consider stepping it up and getting a Yeti cooler. The price is steep, but this isn’t your standard plastic cooler – it will last forever, and can keep food and drink cold for days (literally)! They have a wheeled Yeti cooler , but all several other options to consider with both hard and soft sides(including new colors).

Summers can be hot and humid and that means bugs! Protect your family with a good repellent. Choose a DEET free one that is natural, like Bug Soother .

My son always gets chapped lips in the hot sun, having a tube of lip balm in his bat bag is a must to keep him comfortable.

An easy to apply, high SPF spray bottle of sunscreen in your child’s bat bag, another for you.

One for each person not playing. Coleman makes great camping chairs which do just fine on the sidelines, too. Bleachers are not your friends, your back will thank me later!

This is crucial for hot days, or rainy days! Keep cool and dry under an easy to put up canopy and come back and if you have extra space, share with another family! Consider one with a single wall which helps on windy days and when the sun is low in the morning or late afternoon.

Parking fees, entry fees, and concessions, many of these are cash only! Take some cash to avoid a trip to the ATM.

Nowadays, hand wipes and hand sanitizer are a must. The bathrooms could be too far away, lines may be too long, they could be out of soap, or all of the above.

The kid’s version and some for the grown-ups too.

Keep several wet rags in a baggie in your cooler for the sweltering hot days. A nice, cold hand towel is a game changer for kids and parents alike. Your players, their teammates, and even the other parents will be so grateful.

Fill with ice from your cooler in case of injuries. Ziplock bags that have a zipper are far easier to open and close – they last longer than sandwich bags, too.

Injuries happen! We used to carry band-aids and anti-bacterial cream, but a well prepared, compact first aid kit is far more useful. Check out The Solo by MyMedic – you’ll be able to handle sprains, cuts, scrapes, stings and just about anything else the kids or Mother Nature throw at you!

This is not the time to enforce your electronic device ban, give them the iPad, iPod or whatever it takes to keep them busy while their big brother plays a 2 hour game.

For Traveling:

Will you be gone longer than overnight? Laundry detergent made to get out the stains and smells of your little athletes is a must! Include a small bottle of detergent and stain treatment to keep those uniforms clean. If you don’t have a washer at  your hotel, liquid detergent is important to wash in the sink.

You may need to air dry the uniforms, typically the hangers at the hotel don’t measure up. There’s plenty of reasonably priced hangars that can do the job.

Hotel room floors may or may not be the cleanest, keep your tootsies free from germs with a comfy pair of machine washable slippers !

Magazines or books. I’ve been reading the Magnolia story . There will be down time, keep yourself busy!

18. iPad or MacBook Air with Streaming Service

Hotel T.V. can be downright bad! An iPad or MacBook Air plus a streaming service like Netflix, Prime Video or Apple TV solves all of that. All you need is WiFi and you’re a mobile entertainment center!

It sounds like a given, but I have actually forgotten to take a baseball bag to tournaments when traveling. A nice large tote can hold your wallet, keys, sunglasses, etc., plus several water bottles, extra undershirts for your player and so much more. Our fave, which was designed with beach days in mind, has several pockets, a keychain clip, and even has a bottle opener!

Well where are you going to carry all of the above? A collapsible wagon is a lifesaver when packing for a baseball tournament, or any other tourney! A wagon is great in a pinch it can even hold a young whining sibling! Just kidding-sort of.

When packing for a baseball tournament or any other kind, make sure to include these essentials in your bag! What other items would you add to this list?

No spam guarantee.

Barbara is the mom behind the blog. She began writing in 2012 as the creator of Hello Life, a craft & lifestyle blog. As life evolved, and her kids became more involved in sports, she aimed to create a site that would resonate with moms like her, and in 2017 Modern Sports Mom was born. Like many of today’s mamas, she loves being creative, cooking, and fashion, and when there are a few minutes to spare, a good book. A baseball and football mom, she is fueled by her strong faith, dedication to her family, and coffee. Lots and lots of coffee! Barbara lives in California with her husband, kids, dog, and cat.

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Affiliate Disclosure

Modern Sports Mom is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon (amazon.com, or endless.com, MYHABIT.com, SmallParts.com, or AmazonWireless.com).

Trending Post: Microwave Chocolate Lava Mug Cake

All-Star Hacks for Baseball Moms

Being a baseball mom means you are always prepared. For every situation. You have an extra uniform in your bag. A first aid kit just in case. Extra socks, belts, even cups because you just never know.

Thanks to some helpful mom hacks, you can simplify your job as a baseball mom and sit back and relax to enjoy the game. These hacks are not just baseball specific! Any sports mom or mom for that matter can benefit from these hacks.

These practical tips and tricks will help you stay organized, save time, and maximize your enjoyment of the game. Get ready to step up your game and become the MVP of baseball moms!

Mastering the Schedule

Baseball seasons can be hectic, with practices, games, and tournaments filling up your calendar. To master the schedule like a pro, start by creating a centralized calendar. Use a digital calendar app or a  physical planner to record all the practice times, game dates, and team events. Share this calendar with your family members and synchronize it with your smartphone for easy access on the go.

To stay prepared, create a checklist of essentials for each game or practice. Include items like sunscreen, snacks, water bottles, and a folding chair. Keep a bag packed and ready to go with all the necessary equipment and supplies, so you can grab it and head out the door without any last-minute scrambling.

Laundry Hacks

Baseball uniforms can accumulate dirt and grass stains like no other. Stay on top of the laundry game by pre-treating stains as soon as possible. Apply a stain remover or a mixture of baking soda and water directly to the stained areas before tossing the uniform in the wash. For tough stains, consider using a laundry detergent booster or soaking the uniform in a mixture of warm water and oxygen bleach before washing.

To simplify the laundry process, designate a specific laundry bin or hamper for baseball uniforms only. This way, you won’t have to search for scattered items when it’s time for laundry day. If possible, invest in a portable clothesline or drying rack that you can set up outdoors to take advantage of sunny days and fresh air for drying the uniforms quickly.

Snack and Meal Prep

Fueling your young athlete with nutritious snacks and meals is essential for peak performance. Save time and ensure they have nourishing options by incorporating snack and meal prep into your routine.

Prepare a variety of grab-and-go snacks, such as cut-up fruits, pre-portioned trail mix , energy bars, and homemade granola. Store them in individual containers or snack bags, so you can easily grab them on your way out. Consider investing in a small cooler or insulated lunch bag to keep snacks fresh and chilled during long tournament days.

For meals, plan ahead by creating a weekly meal plan that includes quick and easy recipes. Make use of slow cookers or instant pots to prepare hearty meals that can be ready when you return home after a busy day at the ballpark. Casseroles, pasta dishes, and one-pot meals are great options that can be prepared in advance or cooked quickly.

Self-Care for Baseball Moms

While supporting your young athlete, it’s important not to forget about your own well-being. Taking care of yourself allows you to show up as the best version of yourself for your child and the team. Prioritize self-care by carving out time for relaxation, exercise, and pursuing your own interests.

Schedule regular “me time” in your calendar, whether it’s a quiet evening reading a book , enjoying a bubble bath, or going for a walk in nature. Engaging in activities that bring you joy and help you unwind is crucial for recharging your batteries.

Lean on your support network. Connect with other baseball moms to share experiences, tips, and advice. By building relationships with other parents, you’ll have a support system that understands the unique challenges and joys of being a baseball mom.

Similar Posts

Happy birthday ethan.

Christmas Brunch Menu Ideas

How to Make a Balloon Wreath

No girls allowed | your three words.

hello monday

Ministry to Parents

Helping Churches Build an Excellent Ministry to Parents

This month, Ministry to Parents helps parents lead their kids On-The-Go. We asked one of M2P’s authors, Heather Stoll, to share her experience of eight years in the sports world with her son’s travel baseball team. If your parents are busy with kids’ sports, download and email them this free PDF.

10 PARENTING HACKS FOR SPORTS

In case you missed it, youth sports are big in the U.S. In fact, roughly 45 million children currently participate in an organized sport. They aren’t all playing the same one, either. From soccer and t-ball to football and basketball, kids can play a different sport every season. There are also endless options for the level of play. Do you want introductory or competitive? Do you want to play locally or travel to big tournaments?

The benefits are also well-documented. “Children who start participating in sports between the ages of 6 to 12 have 40 percent higher test scores, 7 to 8 percent higher lifetime earnings, a 15 percent increased likelihood of college attendance and a significantly lower instance of obesity.” [1]  Kids who play sports also learn the benefits of teamwork and hard work, develop discipline and perseverance, and improve their social skills.

Although we’ve established that kids playing sports is a good thing, the stress on the family can be significant. The demands of practices, games, snack duty, and uniforms can put a strain on your time, your finances, and your family’s schedule!

So how can you enjoy the moments and opportunities that sports provide, and also maintain your sanity? Consider implementing these parenting hacks for sports, and your family will be winning—both on and off the court or field!

Start at the Beginning.

Whether your child has never touched a ball of any kind or he has been kicking a soccer ball in the backyard since he could walk, start at the beginning. In other words, don’t try out for the city’s elite league or the local all-start team in your first sports season. It has nothing to do with your child’s athletic ability or understanding. Instead, it provides your family a chance to acclimate to life with sports—and all it entails. Before you jump into a significant lifestyle change, learn to adjust to sports practice once or twice a week. Figure out how to manage the carpool, the mealtimes, the extra laundry, the game commitments, and the impacts on other children or family members. If your child loves or excels in a particular sport, there will be plenty of time in the future to go “all-in!”

Establish a Budget.

Youth sports are expensive. In addition to the registration fees, families incur the expense of uniforms, equipment, gate fees, and food on the go. If travel is involved, it can be equivalent to a mini-vacation a couple of times a month. That’s why establishing a budget for sports is essential. Decide in advance how much you can commit to this portion of your family’s life. If opportunities arise that exceed your budgeted amount, you can choose to participate in fundraising activities, seek extra work, or sacrifice in another area. Include your child in this process. Explain that extra-curricular activities cost money and help them contribute (depending on their age—financially or with wise choices) to the cause.

Create and Use a Digital Calendar .

Google Calendar is the top choice among digital calendars, but there are other free options available. Whatever you choose, create a personal calendar for every family member, as well as a family event calendar. Record and sync practices and games, color-code each calendar, and set multiple notifications (aka reminders) for each entry. Include notes on who is driving the carpool, when you have snack duty, or what practice jersey is required. Don’t forget to share each calendar with everyone in the family!

Create a Sports Survival Kit.

Gather/borrow/purchase everything you will need to survive the season and keep it in a container in your car (easy to temporarily remove if needed). Your kit should include chairs, blanket(s), towel(s), wet wipes, umbrella(s), jacket/raincoat, an extra t-shirt, non-perishable snacks, small toys/books (for younger siblings), a little cooler, an extra phone charger, a meal-on-the-go kit (paper plates/utensils/napkins), and some extra cash. As the season progresses, add a note/reminder to the calendar to replenish or add items that you need (or notice!).

Build an Emergency Sports Kit.

Gather/purchase everything you need to combat minor problems on the go. Stock a first aid kit with band-aids, bug repellent, itch cream, ace bandage wrap, baby powder (especially in the summer!), and pain reliever (liquid and tablet). Include Ziploc bags of various sizes (for ice packs), an extra pair of socks and undergarments, and copies of your child’s insurance cards and birth certificate.

Game Stats and Moments Journal.

You think you will always remember your child’s first hit or game-winning goal. You can’t imagine forgetting a moment of that weekend when your daughter’s team won the tournament. Unfortunately, though, games start running together, and seasons turn into months and even years. No matter where you are in your child’s sports career, grab a notebook or journal, and start now. Don’t overthink it or complicate it. Just jot down the date, the team, the location, the final score, and any stats or moments you want to remember. Keeping a game journal not only records the stats and scores, but it preserves memories, helps you celebrate successes, charts, and tracks progress and growth, and becomes a tangible reminder of the journey.

Create a Photo Storage/Organization Plan.

Establish a place to save all your photos and moments from the season(s). Create a social media album, a Google Drive or Dropbox folder, or an album on a photo-sharing site. As you capture events and moments throughout the season, save them directly and immediately to this place where you can access them at any time.

Create a Soccer (or basketball or football) Folder (Email & Computer)

Create a folder in your email inbox and digital space (desktop, Evernote, Dropbox, etc.) for each sport for each child. As you process your emails, put  everything  related to the sport in the folder (even if you respond). As documents or forms come in (practice or game schedule, snack schedules, permission slips, etc.), scan them immediately into your computer and save them that desktop folder. Go ahead and put a copy of their birth certificate and insurance card in there, as well. You never know when you will need it (Extra hack: download a scanning app on your phone so that you can scan docs and forms on the go!)

Plan Easy, Freezer Late-Night Meals

Sports schedules make meal-planning a challenge. Freezer meals are a great item to prepare and have on hand. But when you come home after a late game or practice with a hungry crew (even if you ate an early dinner!), you don’t have time to cook a casserole—even if it is prepped and ready to bake. You need 5-minute meals! Here are some great late-night meal hacks.

• Barbecue Sandwiches. Pre-purchase barbecue from a local restaurant, divide it into meal-size portions and freeze. Quick thaw in the microwave, put it on a bun, and add some sauce. Hot and delicious!

• Chicken Wraps. Purchase frozen, pre-cooked chicken strips or chunks. Quick thaw in the microwave, add veggies, cheese, sour cream, salsa, etc. and roll in a fresh tortilla.

• Tacos. Freeze meal-sized portions of cooked ground beef. Quick thaw the meat in the microwave, stuff in taco shells, and dress with cheese, lettuce, taco sauce, sour cream, and salsa.

• Mexican Bowls. Thaw meal-sized portions of ground beef or chicken. Layer over pre-cooked rice, along with chopped peppers and onions, cheese, salsa, sour cream, etc. You can also add black or pinto beans.

• Spaghetti. Make your favorite homemade spaghetti sauce. Freeze individual portions. Quick thaw in the microwave and serve over fresh-cooked pasta. (You will have to prepare the pasta, but it’s still less than 10 minutes from freezer to table.)

Plan (and Send) Easy, Extra Snacks

Depending on the age and stage of your child’s sports involvement, they may be going straight from school to practice. Most kids are hungry after a school day, but sports kids are usually starving and require extra fuel! Plan and send easy, healthy snacks for your child and avoid costly stops at a fast-food or convenience store. Consider protein/granola bars, fruit, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cheese, or nuts. Purchase and sample different options until you find one that works. Depending on your climate (or the weight of your child’s sports bag!), you may need to pack it in a small cooler to protect it. You will save money, and they will have a healthy snack.

Bonus: Apps, Coupons, and Points

If sports becomes a big part of your life, the chances are good that you will spend a lot of time on the go—literally. Our son played travel baseball for eight years. By the time he was in high school, we usually spent 4-5 weeks in the summer on the road. We had a minimal budget, so we planned all year for summer ball. Then we used a credit card for gas and groceries to earn hotel points (which covered most of our hotel expenses for the summer). We earned points and rewards on restaurant apps for use on our summer travels. I shopped through reward and coupon sites to earn points, and I redeemed them for gas and restaurant cards. We drank water at every meal, we only booked hotels with free breakfast, and we always ate either lunch or dinner in the room (peanut butter and jelly, deli sandwiches from a local grocery store, a bucket of fried chicken, etc.) Depending on the location/timing/accommodations, I even prepared 1-2 meals at home for us to eat during the trip. [1]   https://www.activekids.com/football/articles/youth-sports-participation-by-the-numbers

Heather Stoll has more than twenty years of ministry experience, predominantly in the area of communications and media. She has served churches in South Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee, alongside her husband, Jeff. Together, they have two children, and they currently reside in Saint Augustine, FL. You can contact Heather at [email protected] .

For more articles on Helping Parents Lead at Ministry to Parents , check out our other posts:

6 Ways Busy Parents Can Connect to the Heart of Their Child

Parenting Through Puberty

Sneaky Suspects: How to Help Parents with Teenagers and Screens

HOW TO PRAY: One Way to Talk with God Instead of Talking at God

8 WAYS TO PRAY FOR YOUR CHILDREN & TEENAGERS

• ← What is Marco Polo? A Tutorial to Explain How the App Works
• 6 Ways Busy Parents Can Connect to the Heart of a Child →

Privacy Overview