I am part of the Mom It Forward blogger network, who has partnered with in support of this campaign. Dole compensated me for participation in this campaign. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Go Team! We are nearing the end of baseball season over here, which has made for a very busy spring. In fact, it looks like my summer might be busy with baseball as well, because my oldest son’s team has made it to the TOC’s! Playoff time! While I sure love cheering for my kiddos in whatever extracurricular they participate in, I sure am ready for a breather from running to and from practices and games. We rarely get a night off! Between kids losing equipment and uniforms, forgetting water at home, and minor injuries during games or practices, I sure have learned a lot about how to prep for game time. I’m still a work in progress, but we’re doing better than we were at the start of baseball season!
Game Day Tips
To help you out, here are some Game Day Tips to prep you and your child for whatever sport you may be involved in.
- The day before games or practices, make sure all gear is clean and in one place.
- Get an early start to the game so you don’t feel rushed. Kids tend to feel more confident (as do adults) with ample time to prepare, physically and mentally.
- Get a cool sport bag for your child to keep all their gear. This can make it quick and easy to grab for game time. I recommend keeping sunscreen in the bag too.
- Keep a bag in the car with spare items in case of emergencies. Perhaps extra cleats, socks, hats, etc.
- Keep all chairs, umbrellas, blankets (for chilly nights) water bottles etc in one spot in the garage (or car) for spectators.
- Don’t forget the water!!! Some change or cash might be a good idea to keep on you for games, in case someone needs extra water from the snack bar. We’ve learned this lesson the hard way.
- First Aid Kit in the car (or bag) is always a good idea!
- Snacks and DOLE Fruit Squish’ems for siblings watching the game. These also make for a great snack for the players, before game time! Nutritious and delicious.
DOLE Fruit Squish’ems has partnered with two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup winner and mom, Brandi Chastain and the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) to help soccer families across the country gear up for game days. I think a lot of the tips, ideas (and snacks) shared really apply to any sporting event. After looking over my tips here, keep an eye out for Brandi’s Game Day Great tips on the Dole Facebook and Twitter page throughout spring and summer.
If you are willing to share your own game day tips and pre-game rituals in the Game Day Great Facebook contest, you can have a chance to win $5,000 and a season’s supply of DOLE Fruit Squish’ems for your kids’ league! In addition to the grand prize, ten finalists will also receive a season’s supply of DOLE Fruit Squish’ems. I’ve tried these yummy little pouches myself and I am hooked! Each pouch contains one full serving of all-natural fruit, contains only 60 calories and you don’t have to worry about GMOs or gluten! Absolutely no high fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors either! Select from Apple, Apple Mixed Berry and Apple Strawberry. Just $2.79 per package, but for an even greater savings, you can download a coupon to save $1 on your next purchase of DOLE Fruit Squish’ems, after you submit your game day tip!
To give you a taste of Brandi’s Game Day Great Tips, here are a couple to get your mind working to help you submit your own tip:
Brandi’s Game Day Great Tips
- Kids learn to be a good sport just as much from the sideline and stands as on the field, so teach them by example to always be respectful to everyone on the field, offer encouragement, and be gracious whether you win or lose.
- Always double check emails and the team website for any last minute schedule changes. It’ll save you time in the long run and who can’t use more of that!
Leave a Reply