Ask Erin | The Organized Sports Mom

by ERIN SHARPLIN LOVE  |  erinlove@panachebyerin.com

I am a sports mom and I love every minute of it. Raise your hand if you are with me! With that said, there are certainly days and weeks that I am exhausted and overwhelmed, but there is just something so exciting and fulfilling about watching your child excel at a sport. The last thing you, or I, want is to have that excitement halted by the unexpected.  There are so many mishaps that can occur and I, for one, will be prepared for them!  Don’t you want to be prepared, too?  Now that I have lived through being a sports mom for a few years now, I can give you tips and tricks that may save you when disaster strikes.  I have created a “kit” that I would love to share with you.

Below, I have broken the kit down into “large items” and “small items.”  I carry most of this at all times but exchange items based on weather forecasts and the sport complex that we will be playing in.  

LARGE ITEMS:
• Folding Chair – I love the ones that rock but be sure to add oil to the strut often!  

• Stadium Seat – Just in case you are in a complex that doesn’t have room for chairs.

• Tent – A lot of the complexes we’ve visited don’t have much shade.

• Blanket – A blanket can be used for warmth, of course, but also as a cushion, pillow, rain jacket, etc..  A blanket is one of the most used items in my wagon.

• Ice Chest – Be sure to check with the complex to make sure they are accepted.  Most don’t check, but some do!  

• Large Umbrella – Can be used for shade or for when it rains, of course. 

• Wagon – to carry all of this stuff!

• Battery-operated Fan/Heater

• Weather Pod – These are a pain but worth it.  Trust me! 

SMALL ITEMS:
• Pens and pencils, Black Sharpie – You never know when someone will hit a homerun or win a game ball so that Sharpie comes in handy!

• Scissors

• Phone chargers

• Sunglasses (extra pair for you) and Sport Sunglasses (extra pair for your child -or someone else’s child)

• Handheld fan – You may need a few of these!  

• Cooling towels or hand warmers

• Hat/Cap/Beanie (depending on weather)

• Rain jacket/poncho

• Small first aid kit (band aids, antibiotic ointment, alcohol wipes, instant cold compress)

• Pain Reliever (Adult and Children)

• Sunblock – The stick kind is the easiest to apply!  No burn or mess.

• Deodorant 

• Reusable insulated cups

• Pickle juice (for aches and dehydration)

• Pedialyte (for dehydration)

• Snacks – I always have Slim Jims (for protein), granola bars, fruit, and crackers.

• Small bag of candy (for those who need an insulin boost)

• Playing cards and other small games or toys (for time in between games)

• Change of clothes and shoes (for your player)

• Paper towels

• Wet wipes

• Trash bag

• Potty wipes

• Small fingernail kit (clippers, file, cuticle trimmer)

• Antibacterial hand sanitizer

• Bug repellent

• Elastic hair bands and a hairbrush

• Notebook (for notes to yourself or someone else)

• Eye black

• Hand lotion

• Gum

• Cash – a lot of venues only accept cash.

• Lip gloss/balm

• Stain remover pen

• WD40 (for that rocking chair)

• Florida Water – IFYKYK

I think that about wraps it up, but if I have forgotten something, I will be sure to update you on social media!  Please let me know if you know of something I have forgotten.  I can’t wait to hear from you!