Here in New York, the shift is on. Summer is winding down, school supplies are stacked on the kitchen counter and for families like mine, fall sports are about to take over. Varsity season begins on Aug. 25, and I’ve got three kids in three different sports this fall. Add in a senior doing college applications and a travel soccer schedule and honestly—it feels daunting.
If you’re staring at your family calendar right now wondering how it’s all going to work, you’re not alone.
The Juggle Is Real
One kid heading to cross country, another to volleyball and a third to soccer. Meanwhile, I’m also supporting a senior who’s balancing practices, meets and the mountain of essays and applications that come with the college process. On top of that, we’ve got weekend travel soccer games that can eat up entire Saturdays. Not to mention my recent Binghamton graduate who is applying to medical school. No stress coming from her ...
It’s a lot. For them and for me, ugh.
What Helps Me Stay Grounded
- Prioritize Rest and Recovery
As much as I want my kids to give 100% to every sport, school and responsibility, I also know they need downtime. Protecting sleep, downtime and family meals makes the busy weeks more sustainable. I say "no" to things, a LOT. - Keep Perspective
It’s tempting to panic about missing a practice or shifting a workout, but I remind myself that one practice isn’t going to make or break a season. The bigger win is teaching them how to balance commitments with sanity. I am not afraid to speak to the coach ahead of time and let them know my kid may miss here or there. Not because they are lazy, but because burnout is real. - Encourage Ownership
I’ve learned to hand some of the responsibility back to my kids. They pack their gear, manage their time and check in on what’s coming up. It’s their sport, their season, I’m just the support crew. They need something? They let me know and I will get it for them. - Make Space for Connection
Amid all the driving and scheduling, I look for small moments – post-practice car rides, a late-night snack, five minutes before bed, just to connect. That’s what they’ll remember most, not just the endless logistics.
