I vividly recall the sheer exhaustion of the early parenting stages—slogging through days on minimal sleep, late-night feedings, cleaning up accidents when little feet missed the potty, and racing through grocery aisles to prevent a public meltdown. I used to rush home, hoping to avoid a car nap that would ruin the day’s needed downtime.
I once confided to a friend with older kids that I was “so tired” and “so busy” with my toddlers. As a good friend would, she sympathized but also shared a rather harsh reality: once we ditched the diapers and could hop in the car at a moment’s notice, life wouldn’t actually slow down. Her laughter echoed in my ears, “It doesn’t get better! Trust me, it only gets worse.”
I thought to myself, How could it possibly get worse? But now that my three kids are in school full-time, done with diapers, and capable of grabbing their own snacks, I understand her point. Life has only become more hectic, filled with activities I never anticipated during my days of Thomas the Tank Engine and sippy cups.
Now, instead of changing diapers or dealing with nighttime feedings, I find myself sacrificing sleep for different reasons—washing uniforms, ordering new gear, and juggling schedules. I may not be a toddler mom anymore, but I’ve officially transitioned into the role of a sports mom. If you’re in this whirlwind with me, shuttling one child to practice while trying to catch the tail end of another’s game, you know just how busy life has become. Gone are the Saturday mornings of lounging in pajamas; now, I’m packing the car by 7 a.m. for an hour-long soccer tournament with my 11-year-old.
Sports moms are always on the go, often running on fumes. Here are 12 signs that you’ll recognize if you, like me, identify as a sports mom:
- Dinner is served at odd hours, often around 4 p.m. or as late as 9 p.m., usually consisting of whatever makeshift meal you concoct in the car.
- You suddenly remember at 10 p.m. that you forgot to wash the stinky uniform from yesterday, leading to a frantic laundry session.
- When you and your partner question where your finances disappear, a look at your bank account reveals a long list of sports registrations and equipment purchases. Suddenly, that $5 snack fund feels a bit tight.
- The high costs of youth sports have turned hand-me-downs into your best friend. My youngest has never worn a brand-new pair of cleats; they are passed down from his older brother. And second-hand gear? Bring it on!
- You find yourself praying for rain just to score a Saturday off, and not just a light drizzle—no, you want a monsoon to cancel everything.
- Your car and laundry room have taken on a life of their own, filled with the unmistakable odors of sweaty sports gear. Eventually, you give up on trying to eliminate the smell. It’s just part of your new normal.
- You keep a stash of toys and snacks handy to entertain younger siblings while you shuttle the older ones from one event to the next, including color books and a tablet that is always charged.
- Your social life revolves around your kids’ sports schedules. You may not have had a date night in ages, but you can grab a hot dog and a drink at the concession stand while cheering them on.
- Your trunk is a treasure trove of folding chairs, extra sweatshirts, drinks, and cash for the concession stand, ready for any sport that comes your way.
- Snack bag duties are a nightmare. Every time you sign up, you swear you’ll be prepared, but somehow you end up scrambling last minute for acceptable treats.
- You might not yell at the teenage umpire during your kid’s game, but you’ll definitely shoot daggers at the parent who steals your parking spot, forcing you to drag everything from half a mile away.
- You proudly support your little athletes, donning team gear and cheering so loudly at their games that you lose your voice. You capture every moment on video, eager to share their triumphs with everyone around you.
Even though youth sports can drain your Saturdays and leave little time for relaxation, when your kids find joy in their activities, you embrace the madness. I didn’t foresee the whirlwind of “sports mom” life—how much gear they’d need, the countless hours spent driving, or the emotional highs and lows of watching them succeed.
But here I am, balancing hockey tonight, tennis tomorrow, and gymnastics the following day. Yes, it’s exhausting, but if I could tell my past self—who spent Saturdays in pajamas watching cartoons—that this chaotic life is the best, I would. (Except for the snack schedule—that part still bites.)
For those interested in the journey of home insemination, check out this link to one of our other blog posts. And if you’re looking for a comprehensive guide on the process, this resource is excellent for understanding what to expect during the journey. For more information on home insemination kits, visit Make a Mom.
Summary:
Being a sports mom is a whirlwind of activities, late nights, and constant drive-arounds. From odd dinner times to chaotic schedules, this life is busy, but the joy of watching your kids play makes it worthwhile. Embrace the madness and the memories you create along the way.