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Logistically Challenged by After School Sports Schedules

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You know those families with crazy schedules. Maybe you’re one of them. We are too.

With 3 kids and multiple practices, it’s hard to keep track of everything. One practice is an hour away…3 times a week. When I am in charge of that kid, I find it easier. On those days, it’s drive, drive, drive…wait, wait, wait. I blog while I am waiting. It’s nice and peaceful. I’m actually very productive during that time.

Mom trying to juggle kids schedules

It’s when I am charge of the other 2 that I have problems. I can’t keep up with the juggling…WHO has to be driven WHERE at WHAT time. On the one day they are at the same field, the times are of course off enough that I end up driving one and then going home and getting the other, and then the same thing with pickup. So I drive back and forth to the same field 8 times! I’d make the one go with me early, but he’s usually just getting home from his school sports practice at that time. Even though that field is only 10 minutes from our house, the practices are during rush hour traffic so it takes longer to get back and forth. So basically I spend an hour and twenty minutes plus driving back and forth.

Then sometimes I get confused when practices are at different fields and I forget. One son’s practices are always at the same field. The other one switches back and forth and of course it’s completely on the other side of town. Yes, I have driven to the wrong one.

My husband is SO much better at coordinating all this. He is a much better planner. He thinks through all the logistics…if Child A and Child B need to be on opposite ends of town at the same time (which has happened as well)…he thinks ahead and gets one of them a ride. Why do I never think of this? Because I don’t look at the calendar on my phone until it beeps at me, explaining that both children must be in different places at the same time. AND I NEVER LEARN!

Am I the only one out there that is logistically challenged like this?! I’m kind of embarrassed I am even admitting this.

We’ve come to an agreement. He now simply plans it for me. If I am not driving the child with the far away practice, which I much prefer to do at this point, he then tells me where I need to be. And gets a ride for one kid if needed, and just tells me that he’s done it. A couple weeks ago, when he was away for the weekend out of state with one child at a tournament, I had to juggle this. It was not pretty.

At least I go to every game I can (again, a juggle with all 3) and I take photos for their teams. That’s gotta count for something, right?

 

Richard Thompson

Tuesday 21st of May 2013

What I love about this is that you and your husband took what you were both good at and made it work. That's something that you may take for granted, but for others is really hard to do. Working together is so vital to getting through all the super busy sports and activities years. Thanks for sharing!

nellie

Saturday 18th of May 2013

I don't know how you do it!! I am so impressed all that running would have me wiped. Like laid out on the floor somewhere with my cell phone in my hand. I want a 3rd but this is really making me think twice!

Michelle Nahom

Monday 20th of May 2013

Oh I didn't mean to scare you!! I love watching them all play...its just the driving that makes me nuts sometimes. But I do it with love. :)

Gillian

Friday 17th of May 2013

Hi Michelle, I feel your pain from the juggling. Before I had kids I promised myself I wouldn't be one of those parents carting their kids left, right and centre for activities. What do you know even at my girls young age (4 and almost 2) they already have scheduled activities (because I want to keep them engaged), wish me luck for the future!

Thought I'd stop by and get to know another participant on Joi's #MBC

Michelle Nahom

Monday 20th of May 2013

Thanks so much for stopping in! I never expected to be doing this either, but they love their sports! And I do love watching them!

Liz Who Motivates

Friday 17th of May 2013

Cute story, love the graphic. Give yourself more credit than you do. I admire any mother with any number of kids schlepping them around in addition to the many personal and professional hats they where. It's great that your husband helps out. Count your blessings. You make a great team! :)

Michelle Nahom

Monday 20th of May 2013

I do count my blessings. You are right though! Moms wear a lot of hats. I think I deserve a spa trip now. :)

Nicole Robinson

Friday 17th of May 2013

Your trips back and forth to the field are making me dizzy, girly. My kids are pretty young, so there isn’t much to their schedule, yet. When that time comes, I might try a whiteboard or big paper calendar. That’s old school, but an app or reminders on my cell probably won’t work for me.

Michelle Nahom

Monday 20th of May 2013

It makes me dizzy too! Hahaha. At least my hubby helps out though and plans out how to make things work best. I am pretty lucky there!