Written by Mark BaileyJuggling practices, games, and daily life can feel like an Olympic sport for baseball moms. Between driving to fields and managing household chores, finding time for yourself can seem impossible. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with these time management hacks to keep you sane and organized.
1. Create a Master Schedule
Having a master schedule that includes practice times, games, and other family commitments can save you a lot of headaches. Color-coding different activities can make the calendar easy to read at a glance. Use different colors for each family member and activity type. Hang the schedule in a central location, like the kitchen, so everyone can see it and know what’s coming up. This way, you can avoid double-booking and ensure everyone is where they need to be.
2. Meal Prep Like a Pro
Prepping meals for the week ahead can save you tons of time. Cook large batches of family favorites on the weekend and store them in the fridge or freezer. Not only does this save time, but it also ensures that your family eats healthy, home-cooked meals. For example, I often make a big pot of chili or lasagna that can be portioned out for lunches and dinners. Invest in good-quality food storage containers and label them with the date and contents for easy access.
3. Carpooling is a Lifesaver
Coordinate with other baseball moms to set up a carpool schedule. Not only does this save time, but it also builds a sense of community. Plus, it gives you a few precious moments to yourself when it’s not your turn to drive. One time, I teamed up with two other moms, and we each took turns driving to practices and games. This not only lightened our load but also allowed our kids to bond even more outside of regular practice hours.
4. Keep a Baseball Bag Ready to Go
Pack a dedicated baseball bag with all the essentials—extra uniforms, snacks, water bottles, first-aid kit, and sunscreen. Having everything ready to go means less last-minute scrambling. I keep a checklist on the inside flap of the bag to ensure nothing is forgotten. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than arriving at a game only to realize you’ve left the glove or water bottle at home.
5. Delegate Chores to the Kids
Teach your kids to take on age-appropriate chores. It teaches them responsibility and takes some of the workload off you. A simple chore chart can keep track of who’s doing what. In my house, my kids know that Saturdays are for cleaning their rooms and helping with laundry. This way, chores are completed on a routine basis, and I don’t feel overwhelmed trying to do everything myself.
6. Set Up a Homework Station
Create a quiet, organized space for your kids to do their homework. This helps minimize distractions and ensures homework gets done efficiently, leaving more time for baseball. Our homework station includes a desk, good lighting, and all the necessary supplies like pencils, paper, and a calculator. By keeping this area clutter-free and designated solely for schoolwork, my kids can focus better and finish faster.
7. Use Technology to Your Advantage
There are plenty of apps designed to help with time management and organization. From grocery shopping to coordinating schedules, find the right tools to make your life easier. Apps like Cozi can help manage family schedules, while meal planning apps can simplify grocery shopping and dinner prep. Explore different options and find what works best for your family’s needs.
8. Take Advantage of Downtime
Use the time you spend waiting during practices or games to catch up on reading, work, or even relaxation. Bringing a book, laptop, or knitting project can make these moments productive and enjoyable. Personally, I bring my e-reader to practices and get lost in a good book while the kids are training. It’s a perfect way to get some “me time” without feeling guilty.
9. Plan Family Time
Set aside specific times each week for family activities. This helps ensure that everyone gets quality time together, even amidst a busy baseball schedule. My family loves Sunday pancake breakfasts—it’s our sacred time to catch up and relax. We also plan occasional movie nights or game nights to bond and unwind. Making these moments a priority helps balance the hectic baseball season.
Conclusion
Managing time as a baseball mom is no small feat, but with these hacks, you can make the most of your busy schedule. Do you have any time management tips of your own? Share them in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!