I grew up in a world where only rich kids played sports or did activities before junior high.
While I longed to dance ballet, learn horseback riding, take piano and art lessons, those opportunities were not accessible to me.
I’ve reluctantly been a sports parent since my eldest was a toddler.
I wanted to offer as many opportunities to my kids as I could, so they could eventually choose what they loved. I never forced my kids to participate, but we encouraged them to finish out the season or lesson period.
I’m not a stage mom or whatever.
Liz hated TBall from the moment we signed her up and we didn’t bother forcing it or the other to play. Alex lives and breathes baseball. All my kids tried gymnastics and Tori excels at aerial arts. All my kids tried soccer and Liz and Akantha loved it until about age 12, when it became increasingly competitive. Liz and Tori loved track, but injuries forced them to quit. We took some very informal homeschool figure skating lessons years ago, and Akantha fell in love with it and takes lessons for the past few years.
I don’t post much about my kids online anymore, but I wish I could brag about how well they do in our homeschool, in college, in their activities and sports! I am a very proud parent.
Many evenings and weekends are spent at lessons, practices, and tournaments. I want to stay cool and not get overheated when there is often nary a breeze or shade. I have to monitor my coach husband and son out there on the field and in the dugout to make sure they are managing to stay cool.
Baseball is usually a warm weather sport. We have had some games in early spring and during fall season play that are quite chilly and wuthery. But, usually, we have to find ways to stay cool in summer during baseball practices, games, tournaments, and camps.
Summer Gear for Sports Parents
Wagons
Wagons are pretty essential to haul all the gear from the minivan or SUV to the field and dugout and bleachers. I’ve seen some fantastic wagons that do double duty as child strollers and tables and more.
Sun Protection
- Sunscreen – Alba is our favorite brand
- Hats – Sports Sun Visor, PonyFlo cap, Boonie hats
- UV blocking shirts
- Athletic Sunglasses: Under Armour, Pit Viper, and more
Shade
Many families invest in shade tents and they certainly help and can be shared with family and friends.
Seating
I love a rocking chair and I love chairs with sunshades and cup holders.
- GCI Pod Rocker
- GCI Pod Rocker with Sunshade
- GCI Outdoor Rocker Camping Chair
- Hammock Camp Chair
- Director’s Chair with Foldable Side Table
Cooling Towels and More
Fans
Snacks and Drinks
- Our favorite water bottle is the Under Armour 64oz Playmaker Sport Jug
- Snackle Box
- 40 oz Tumbler with Handle
- Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multipliers
- My favorite coolers are hard rollers – Coleman Portable Rolling Cooler and Igloo Profile Hard Coolers
- Igloo 5 Gallon Beverage Cooler
- YETI Tundra Haul Portable Wheeled Cooler
These items have been great for the boys on the team, and for the coaches, parents, families, and friends to stay cool during hot summer games and tournaments.
What’s your favorite tip to stay cool?
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The cooling towels are a great idea. and the portable fans. #MMBC
I love your approach to sports. I did a similar thing and don’t have a single sports player. The one who liked sports the most when he was younger really came to not like team sports. I think it’s because he’s a very sensitive guy and doesn’t like letting people down. That, and there’s too much pressure, which he also doesn’t care for. So we let him quit when it no longer served him. These are great tips. I wish I’d thought about a wagon and a sunshade back then! Thank you for sharing this post with us at the Will Blog for Comments #42 linkup. We hope to see you sharing more posts at #43, which opens next Monday morning. Have a great week. :)
Thanks so much!
I miss the days of my oldest son playing baseball, and these are all awesome things to have. Wish some of them would have been around when he played. Stopping in from the Artful Mom!
ahahaha, my tip for staying cool is 1. floating on a raft in the swimming pool or 2. stay in air conditioned house!!
I LOVE floating on a raft in swimming pools!
I spent a lot of time as a parent stood watching my kids playing sport, most of it winter and in the UK, it was in the rain and the snow. I always packed a foldable chair, a flask of hot drink, an umbrella and warm clothing or parked the car where I could see the game. Thanks for sharing with #pocolo
oh, yes, I have stayed in my car before!
Jen, these are great summer gear for sports parents, there’s so many options to choose from since my girls were young. You know, I can’t recall what was a must when my girls were young playing sports. Lol. But, I’ve got to agree with Debbie above, I’m in for floating in a pool and my air conditioning. It seems like the older I get, the hotter I get.
Thank You so much for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friend’s this month. I’m so happy you’re here.