Tips for Soccer Moms
Being a
soccer mom is intense. There are games to attend, practices to carpool,
jerseys to wash, homework to check, and dinner to grab. There are never enough hours for the busy soccer mom. Here are helpful time management tips that will not only help you complete that long "To Do List", but also show you how to make some time for yourself. Go ahead, soccer moms, kick off your shoes and relax you deserve it!
Time Management Tips
* '''Set your boundaries''' Do you frequently get stuck driving other people's kids home when you only volunteered to drive them to the game? Communicate the exact responsibilities you are willing to fulfill. Do not allow other people to take advantage of you! If there is one particular parent that drops his or her responsibilities on you without offering to help you out in exchange, politely tell that parent that your schedule is too busy to take the kids to the game and drive them home. Try to set up a carpooling schedule so you aren't the only one paying high gas prices.
* '''Learn to say no''' This goes hand in hand with setting your boundaries. You are not Superwoman (although at times I am sure you give her a run for her money). Let people know when you need a break. If your child wants to take that 5th dance class and you are already on a tight schedule, insist that the 5th dance class must replace another activity rather than be added on to the already enormous schedule.
* '''Create todo lists and calendars based on the month. Some months may harbor big championship games, in which you would need to adjust the schedule to leave room for extra practices. Make sure to always plan ahead and to give yourself enough time to complete each activity. Plan ahead for alternative rides your kids may need due to championships or final exams.
Meal Tips
Having trouble balancing all that work and making a tasty nutritious meal for the whole family? Here are some meal tips to help!
* '''Stay Organized''' Develop a list of foods you typically make. This will make it easier when deciding what to make. Add on to the list as you discover new
recipes.
* '''Leftovers'''prepared meal on even the busiest of days.
* '''Crockpot allows for a tasty meal to prepared by the time you come home for work.
* '''Change Can Be Good''' Try one new recipe a week. This will save you (hopefully) from the whining that ensues after eating chicken for three days in a row. If your kids are old enough, have them take turns picking out the "new recipe of the week".
* '''Make a calendar''' Write down dinners on the calendar for the week. It doesn't need to be followed strictly, but it will help you keep track of the types of foods you are serving (is your family getting enough protein? Fruits? Veggies?) and will help you see if the "not chicken again" whining is actually warranted.
!
Other Tips
* '''You'''do lists! Schedule in a relaxing trip to the
spa, a vacation, a shopping trip (for you, not for more
shinguards), or even just time to soak in a hot bubble bath and read a
book.
* '''Balance''' Make sure that there is an appropriate balance between school and sports/extracurriculars. School should come first! Schedule in time for homework and studying when you schedule in all the soccer practices.
* '''Temper, temper''' Never lose your temper with a coach, parent, player, or umpire. You are a ''role model,'' remember! If you get too worked up about something, take a deep breath, even walk away before exhibiting a poor attitude!
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