Being a basketball mom is special, hectic and fulfilling from the very first practice, to the final game. But, it also comes with a lot of responsibilities, as you likely already know! Your roll as a sports mom means you are the taxi, therapist, chef, doctor and #1 fan. If you take your job as a basketball mom seriously, you’ll want to have a properly equipped bag to make sure that you are ready to handle it all. Your kid has a bag, after all, so it only makes sense that you have one, too!
- Sanitation essentials: Since COVID is now a reality and a new way of life, you’ll want to make sure that you're equipped for everything: face masks, hand sanitizers, tissues, wet wipes, etc. You’ll also want to throw in hand cream, lip balm and anything else to help you keep your skin’s barrier strong.
- Water Bottle: Ideally, you should bring a spare water bottle for your star athlete, but don’t forget yourself! Bring along an extra motivational cup of tea, coffee or other drink of choice to help you through those long mornings, afternoons or evenings.
- Seat cushion: Those bleachers can definitely get your bum sore after a while, huh? You’ll want to make sure that you’ve got a comfortable seat cushion to keep you from aching and shifting positions every 5 minutes. When I show up to the game or practice, I always have one parent tell me “Why have I not thought of that?” Take this step seriously... it may be a long season!
- Player-approved first aid kit: As you likely already know, injuries come with any sport. Make sure you’ve got all of their ouchies, aches and pains taken care of with a player-approved and fully encompassing first aid kit. Icy Hot rub, instant ice packs, ankle wraps, band aids, Tylenol or Advil... Whatever you think they're going to need.
- Noise makers: Since your voice is only going to last so long during a weekend tournament, do yourself a favor and get some kind of noise makers like clappers, cow bell, bullhorns... whatever you think will give your team the right support to keep moving, even when your voice has had enough.
- Snacks: Who doesn’t love snacks, right? When my son was young, I used to used Skittles to bribe my star player to stay on the court to finish the game! Unfortunately, that won't work with older kids so, on those long tournament days, junk food is not the answer. Bring some fruits and veggies or coconut water keep their energy up and something for yourself, too! It will help you take the edge off when practice runs long, you didn’t eat dinner or you’ve got nervous energy during that important game! Oh and don't forget some gum or candy to keep your breath smelling fresh.
- Portable chargers: Since you are their unofficial videographer and photographer until they get famous and scouted, you need to make sure your phone is fully charged and capable of catching every great shot! It could very well launch into their future career or make for a great Christmas card photo! Plus. If you get bored, there's always Candy Crush when you need a little bit of a mental break from the action!