Bag Essentials for Your Kid’s After-School Sports Activities

Encouraging your teens to spend their free time playing sports instead of being at home and playing video games can be harder than most parents can imagine. Some kids simply aren’t into playing sports and investing their spare tim in this activity, but if your kids aren’t like that and they actually love doing these things, you need to be there for them all the time and support their choice. There are lots of ways to do that - from being their designated driver who’s going to take them to their practices and games to actually coming to their games and cheering for them as loudly and passionately as you can. However, there’s another thing you can do, and it’s one of those things that are simple but necessary for most children out there - packing their sports bag. Some of them are simply too young know what they need to pack, and others aren’t responsible enough to pack their bag on their own, which is why they may need some help from their parents. In case your loved ones need that sort of help as well, here are a few things their sports bag should definitely include.

Clean clothes

One of the reasons why so many kids don’t like practicing sports is because they feel tired, dirty, and sweaty after doing that. However, this is the essence of sport - especially certain sports like rugby or soccer - and not getting dirty means you’re not doing something right. But, just because your kids get dirty dring their practice doesn’t mean they should be dirty after they’re done with it. And this is where you come into play. Anticipating your child’s needs sounds hard at first, but when it comes to their clothing, this is what most parents know how to do. Think about what they’re going to do and how they’re going to act, and try to imagine how dirty they’re going to get. Once you do that, you need to make sure you’ve packed enough clean T-shirts, socks, and shorts to help them get home clean. And once they do that, they can take a shower and wear whatever they want!

Healthy snacks

Lots of parents don’t think about their kids’ eating habits and what they’re eating when they’re not at home - eating something is always better than not eating anything - which is why they don’t include snacks in their sports bag for their after-school activities. However, these things are crucial for your kids’ post-workout nutrition and they might help them reach new heights. Still, keep in mind that the snacks you pack need to be healthy and nutritious. Instead of things that make them heavy and cause them to gain weight, you need to figure out a few alternatives that are based on healthy ingredients such as fruits, oatmeal, and honey. Eating these shacks is a great way to keep your kids active and help them recover and recuperate after an intense training session, so start looking for recipes straight away!

Mobile phone and wallter

If you’re the one driving your kids to their practices and games, you’re also the one who’s in charge of their water, snacks, and other things that might require money. But, if this isn’t the case - and it usually isn’t with older kids - you need to teach them how to be responsible and get them a proper wallet that’s going to help them feel that way. The same goes for their mobile phone, so make sure you buy them one of those protective cases that will keep their phone safe no matter what happens. When it comes to wallets, finding one that’s slim and light might be the best way to go. This is particularly the case with kids over 18 who might already have a debit card and their proof of age card, which is why you might consider getting them a practical carbon wallet that has enough space for all their cards and some cash as well. These wallets are light and visually appealing, so your children won’t lose them, which is something all parents are hoping for.

Lots and lots of water

It doesn’t matter what your kids are into and which sport they’re playing - they’re going to need gallons of water after their practice to recover and get back on their feet. Most schools, sport clubs, and camps provide them with water and they can drink it whenever they want, but they might still need some once they start getting back home. So, don’t forget to pack a bottle or two in their bag. If you’re the one driving your kids to their sport events, you should also have some water in your car. This is useful when your kids are physically and mentally exhausted - drinking water and taking a nap in the car will help them recover by the time they get home. As your kids get older, they’ll become more responsible and they’ll be able to pack their own sport bag. But, don’t be afraid to keep doing this yourself as long as they need you to, and they’ll know that you’re supporting them every step of the way!