The Ultimate Survival Guide for Parents of Kids in Sports

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Recently, my daughter played soccer at the YMCA. They played eight games and in that span of eight weeks, the weather ranged from 100 degrees to 30 degrees. Next up, she is going to play basketball. Inside, yes, but bleachers, ouch.

I know this sports thing isn't just a fad with her and because I'm going to have to spend countless hours watching her play - I knew I needed to go to veteran soccer, basketball, volleyball, football, and all other sports moms and dads who know how to stay comfortable in any situation. Here's what they said that I need to get:

1. A Comfortable Chair

Brittany Loveless said, "A comfy chair! We have the rocking chairs and we’ve spent many hours in them." My in-laws have rocking chairs like this and they love them. My husband wants one for Christmas. Shhhh I already got him luggage. There's also a heated camping chair which is exactly what I need!

2. First Aid Kit

I didn't even think about this one. Jordan Boling said, "I always bring a pretty hefty first aid kit...my boys are very dangerous. I like to be prepared." It's always good to at least have some band-aids and Neosporin on hand but if you want to really be prepared, this Lifeline Team Sport First Aid and Safety Kit comes stocked with essentials any sports team might need.This mobile first aid kit is built specifically with athletes and outdoor enthusiasts in mind. "Our sports first aid kit comes stocked with the essentials and organized in our high quality foam carry case for easy portability." At around $27, it's worth keeping in the car. 

3. Extra Hair Ties

If your child has long hair, you know the struggle of keeping hair out of their face. Annie Engelbrecht suggested, "Extra hair ties! They fall out of their hair and lose them, fall off their tied up shirts and lose them...I went through 2 packs of those 700 clear elastics and at least 20 scrunchies during this last fall soccer season. "‍♀️ Here's a 1500 pack of the little bands with a screw lid for only $5.25. And for the guys and gals with thick hair, here's a 72 pack of the industrial pony tail holders for $5.85! 

4. A No-Leak Cooler

A few people suggested a really good portable cooler for drinks and snacks. Okay, so the product I'm about to suggest is about $200 BUT it won't leak and your stuff will stay extra cold for a long time. We have one of these and I can tell you - it's worth the extra money if you don't want to heave to deal with messes. The Yeti Hopper Flip 8 has ColdCell Insulation, a closed-cell foam that offers superior cold-holding to ordinary soft coolers, with a capacity of up to 6 cans plus ice. It's 100% leakproof HydroLok Zipper and the wide-mouth opening means great accessibility and visibility to contents. 

5. A Bleacher Seat

If your child's sport involves sitting on bleachers - and don't they all - you'll need one of these bad boys. Right now, I have a base model but I'm upgrading to this one soon. The stadium seats are great for long meets on the bleacher and gives you perfect support for your back.The fabric is sturdy and flexible enough that you can lean back for comfort.The locking rod fixes the seat safely to the bleacher, so you can relax without worrying about the seat coming loose, or having an annoying cross bar. The seat has super-thick fire-proof sponge padding for extra comfort. Hear that? EXTRA PADDING.

6. Frog Toggs

Sonja Busing suggested Frog Toggs and I had no idea what she was talking about.  They are cooling towels. Soaking the towel in hot or cold water will allow Chilly Pad to activate quickly and cool up to 30 degrees below ambient air temp. Constructed from Frogg Toggs’ exclusive, hyper-evaporative material that retains water while remaining dry to the touch and they are biodegradable. For $9 you can't go wrong!

7. A Parent Pod

This... this is for the ultimate sports parent. Is there really any reason to suffer alongside your child when it's cold, rainy, extra sunny, or buggy outside? No... Get one of these parent pods for $120ish and you'll be comfortable  - it makes it about 35 degrees warmer - while your children are miserable! I mean, they are running - they'll be fine!

8. A Quick Way to Cook

So, no one suggested this but I already know the struggle that is cooking and eating while you are juggling sports. So far, my Instant Pot has been a huge help. You throw it all in, set it, and you can eat in 30 minutes or less.

So, that's what I have. What else do I need to add to this list?