Okay, I admit it. I’ve never done the whole “hockey season” thing. My daughter was more into the arts – singing, playing instruments, dancing. We did try figure skating at one point but we gave that up fairly quickly (it’s a LONG story but let’s just say it’s one I look back on beaming with pride at seeing the strength of character my daughter showed in a difficult situation). I have, however, seen other parents dealing with the challenges of hockey season and whew! There’s not denying that being a hockey parent is a busy – and rewarding – job.
With any sport, there is a certain degree of planning and preparation needed. Here are some ways to prepare for hockey season’s worst, to ensure it’s the best:
1) Develop a routine: Because the hockey season is so busy, establishing a scheduled routine is key. This is so true of any sports or other extracurricular activities! This includes making time for homework between school and practice, ensuring the hockey bag is packed ahead of time and coordinating carpool schedules. Pro tip: create a check-list for your child to follow so they can learn to manage their own time and ensure they’re well prepared to hit the ice.
2) Banish smelly gear: It’s always surprising how such a big smell can come from a small kid! Oh man, when I was a teacher, the hockey kids would often come into the classroom after an early morning practice, toting their bags with them and those things smelled rank! Of course, hockey equipment is bound to collect sweat when your kid is skating their heart off on the ice so make sure you stop odors before they start. First, air out all equipment after each use. Do not – I repeat, do not – leave everything in a zipped up hockey bag! Second, regularly wash items that can be machine washed. Pro tip: Use a detergent that’s up to the challenge such as OxiCleanTM HD Liquid Laundry Detergent and Arm & HammerTM Plus OxiCleanTM Cold Water Power Paks – they are my go-to favourites!
3) Maintain a positive attitude: The number one goal (pun intended!) for your child during hockey season should be to have fun. Whether it’s a “win” or “lose” in the end, each game teaches your child how to work as a team and participate in friendly competition. These important life values are the true prize at the end of the season! Pro tip: You are an important role model for your child. Demonstrate good sportsmanship by cheering on all team members, emphasizing their attempts most of all. Treat the other team with kindness and respect.
4) Get to know your fellow hockey parents: Creating a network of other parents can add a fun social element to the experience for you. Plus, it’s a great way to stay connected and easily be able to coordinate carpools and call-in a last minute favour if you can’t make a practice. Pro tip: Keep a list of names and phone numbers in your contacts on your phone where they will be handy even on the fly!
5) Make some memories: Your before hockey advice and after hockey breakfast runs are the stuff memories are made of. Pro Tip: Create a pre or post hockey tradition for you and your son or daughter to share!
What are your tips for surviving the hockey season?
To help ensure you’re ready, we’re giving away some great hockey season essentials for at home and on the road games courtesy of Church and Dwight:
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OxiCleanTM HD Liquid Laundry Detergent
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Arm & HammerTM Plus OxiCleanTM Cold Water Power Paks
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Arm & HammerTM Baking Soda
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Arm & HammerTM SpinbrushTM battery powered toothbrush The Ultimate Spider-Man TM
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OrajelTM Spider-ManTM Anticavity Fluoride Toothpaste
Total Value: Approx. $35
Terms and conditions: Void where prohibited. Open to Canadian residents only. Quebec excluded. Must answer skill testing question to claim prize. Winner will be contacted via email and will have 24 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. Please ensure that cyn@creativecynchronicity.com is white flagged so the email doesn’t end up in your spam folder.
Enter below.
maria says
Best tip is keeping a routine, going to bed at the same time nightly.
Courtney says
I like to share the transportation with other families. That way it’s not so overwhelming!
Amy C says
My best tip is to be organized, keep a chart of where everyone needs to be each day and at what time.
lori butler says
with being so busy, i like to use post it notes on my calendar so i can easily remove them to stick on front of fridge for reminders
Florence C says
My best tip is to wash clothes after use and any gear that can’t be wash hang to dry or air out.
angela m says
My tip is to use a calendar to mark down all their activities and bring snacks.
Tara Betterley says
My best tip is to have a place that you can hang the equipment outside of the hockey bag. Don’t forget to spray it with Frebreeze!! Wash the under armor all the time (after every practice). Makes you have a few pairs of under armour!
Jessica Bleasdale says
Definitely get a mom calendar for the fridge to keep track of all activities and for everyone in the family to see
Amy Heffernan says
My best tip is to be very supportive! 🙂 Kids need encouragement and praise!
Christine Murray says
Keep a “snack box” in the car. A calendar in purse, car and at home on fridge so always know who is doing what when.
ivy pluchinsky says
Use a schedule/calendar system to keep track of the activities, and don’t have the kids in sports 7 days a week, its too much!
Judy Cowan says
Organization! Use a day planner to keep track of them, meal plan for those early meals and have quick snacks ready to go.
Wendy hutton says
to be organized, this way you are never late or forgetting things, have things put out ahead of time
Jenny Major says
Be organized!
Karla Sceviour says
My best tip is to make sure both yourself and your kids get enough sleep!
heidi c. says
Be organized and don’t overschedule – you or your kids!
Wayne Lecoy says
It would be great to win a Church and Dwight Prize Pack.
In response to your question of
What’s your best tip for handling your kids’ sports or other extra curricular activities?
I don’t have any children but i think it’s great if you get to know some
of the other parents from whatever sport your child is involved with and
make sure you have the right equipment and that it’s something your child really wants to do.
Thank you for having this giveaway.
DORIS HUMBER says
An activity schedule visible in a common area of the house is always helpful to stay organized.
Juliee Fitze says
Write everything on the calendar and always put hockey equipment out to air.
Erica Seaman says
My best tip is to be organized and prepare the night before. I love taking my 2 children to their activities and watching them enjoy themselves.
Maria says
Don’t over book your kids, and keep a schedule
michelle tremblett says
I find having a great circle of moms and dads with kids in the same sports works well, we all help each other out, also scheduling is so important, helps to stay organized 🙂
joy says
make lists, keep a family calendar, and delegate tasks!
Cheryl MacPhail says
I try and prepare early to avoid rushing out the door.
Sarah De Diego says
I only have one kid in an activity at a time, otherwise, I’m driving all around and we never get to slow down and spend time as a complete family.
Besos Sarah
Journeys of The Zoo
Tammy Dalley says
routine is very important!
Amanda Fontaine says
Pack healthy snacks and meals ahead of time, fill water bottles half ways and put in freezer to grab, fill and go to always ensure nice cold water and to schedule and communicate with your partner about everything.
Krista M says
Get everything you need ready the night before so you aren’t rushing around. And make sure everyone gets lots of sleep!
Andrea says
Have a schedule so you can be organized!
Jonnie says
My tip is to make sure everyone is getting lots of sleep, both athletes and parents.
Jeannie Lam says
My best tip is to get enough rest, so the kids aren’t tired when they are playing .
Carol M says
Use a planner.
Carol M says
Use a planner. Not sure is 1st comment went through.
Donna Cobb says
nice tips right there.. it’s been a while since i’ve played ice hockey…. will get myself back soon
BusyPlayingHockey says
Thank you for the tips. We will definitely keep this in mind as I am planning next time.
Krista Bernabe says
What started as 5 tips became a long list. I love the hockey season and wait for it to start every year. I am BusyPlayingHockey over the weekend & this is the only time when I break my hockey schedule.