Category: parenting

  • The Olympics, According to My Kid (and Me, Who Knows Almost Nothing)

    The Olympics, According to My Kid (and Me, Who Knows Almost Nothing)

    Every four years, the Winter Olympics show up on TV and I’m reminded just how many sports exist that I do not fully understand.

    There are flags.
    There is dramatic music.

    There are athletes doing things that feel both incredibly impressive and mildly alarming.

    I love the Olympics — not because I know the rules, but because the vibes are elite.

    This year, though, the Olympics didn’t just show up on our TV.


    They took over our entire house.

    Because when you watch the Olympics with a toddler, you’re not just watching sports — you’re accidentally raising an athlete.

    This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. I only share products I actually use or think other parents will love.

    The Sports I Did Not Know Existed (But Now Narrate Loudly)

    The Winter Olympics are packed with sports I never grew up knowing about.

    There’s ski jumping, which feels like courage mixed with questionable decision-making.

    There’s luge and skeleton, which look like, “What if we went faster… but face first?”

    There’s curling, which seems suspiciously like aggressive housekeeping.

    And then there’s biathlon — skiing and shooting — because apparently one sport wasn’t enough.

    There are also those ice racing / ski cross events where multiple people fly downhill at once, jumping, crashing, and somehow surviving. I don’t know the rules. I just gasp.

    As a Not a Sports Mom, my job is mostly asking:

    • “Is this timed or judged?”
    • “Is that part of the plan?”
    • “Are they okay???”

    I do not always get answers.

    But my kid?
    He gets ideas.


    Suddenly, Our House Needed Equipment

    Not official Olympic-grade equipment — just things that could survive a toddler with confidence.

    The kids weightlifting set came out immediately, because apparently we’re training now. This is the same beginner set we already had, and it’s now been “competed” with daily ever since.
    👉 We use this Kids Complete Fitness Toy Set

    Then came the dramatic floor work. Rolling. Jumping. Falling. Celebrating.

    That’s where foam mats, balance toys, and anything that lets him move safely came in.
    👉 Balance Board
    👉 Balance Board Game
    👉 Indoor Obstacle Course


    The Swiffer Is No Longer a Cleaning Tool

    At some point during Olympic coverage, my kid decided the Swiffer had a higher calling.

    The Swiffer has officially been reassigned from cleaning duties to full-time Olympic support staff.

    Some days it’s a ski pole.

    Other days it’s part of speed skating warm-ups.
    During biathlon coverage, it became “the thing you ski with and hold.”

    Honestly? At least it’s keeping him moving.

    When we want something actually meant for sports, these get used constantly:
    👉 Hockey Indoor Set
    👉 Soft Foam Sports Balls
    👉 Goal Set


    He Has Joined a Hockey Team From the Living Room

    Hockey is a big one in our house. So when a game comes on, my kid doesn’t just watch — he joins.

    He grabs his hockey stick — the same one he insists is “just like the real ones” — and lines up directly in front of the TV.
    👉 American Flag Hockey Stick

    Sometimes he switches teams mid-period.
    Sometimes he announces he’s benched.
    Sometimes he celebrates a goal before it actually happens.

    We rotate between:
    👉 HOCKEY Shooting Practice Set
    👉 Hockey Shooting Tape Practice

    I nod supportively, like a coach who understands none of it.


    Luge, Skeleton, and the “Roller Coaster” Sport

    Then there’s luge. Or skeleton. Or whatever terrifying sled-based sport happens to be on.

    To my kid, this is not dangerous.

    This is a roller coaster.


    He lays flat on the floor, arms tight to his sides, whisper-yelling “GO FAST” while sliding approximately three inches.


    At one point, he lined up pillows into what he called “the track.”

    I let it happen because the alternative was explaining physics.

    For winter-inspired chaos, these help:
    👉 Sled
    👉 Scooter Board
    👉 Trampoline


    Curling: Aggressive Housekeeping, Toddler Edition

    Curling deserves its own moment.

    Watching grown adults slide stones across ice somehow convinced my kid this was very doable.

    We leaned into it with:
    👉 Indoor Hovering Curling Set
    👉 Tabletop Curling Game

    Still unclear on the rules. Very clear on the enthusiasm.


    The Olympics Are Also Apparently a Family Event

    In our house, Olympic athletes aren’t strangers — they’re people we know.

    My kid is fully convinced certain people in his life are competing.

    Uncle B?
    Obviously doing ski jump.

    No questions.
    It just makes sense.

    Sometimes he points at the screen and says, “That could be him.” And honestly? Sure. Why not.


    Playing Olympics Without Knowing the Rules

    You don’t need to know the rules to play Olympics at home.

    You just need:

    • A living room
    • Imagination
    • Objects that were absolutely not designed for sports
    • A willingness to clap enthusiastically at unclear moments

    We rotate constantly. Lifting. Hockey. Sliding. Jumping. Curling. Skiing with a Swiffer.

    It’s chaotic.
    It’s loud.
    It’s joyful.


    If You Want to Lean Into the Olympic Chaos

    What’s actually getting used in our house — not perfectly, not correctly, but enthusiastically:


    A Very Not a Sports Mom Takeaway

    I still don’t know the rules.
    I still cheer at questionable moments.
    I still don’t understand half of what’s happening on the screen.

    But watching my kid try everything — without fear of being bad at it — is kind of incredible.


    The Olympics in our house aren’t about medals.

    They’re about movement, imagination, and letting kids explore what they love.

    Even if that means your Swiffer becomes Olympic equipment.

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  • ❄️ Winter Sports for Toddlers: How We Burn Energy When It’s Cold and Everyone Is Over It

    ❄️ Winter Sports for Toddlers: How We Burn Energy When It’s Cold and Everyone Is Over It

    Winter is confusing as a parent.

    It’s freezing outside.
    The sun sets at 4:30pm.
    And yet… your toddler still wakes up every morning ready to move.

    I don’t know who decided kids should have peak energy during the coldest, darkest months of the year — but here we are.

    As a Not a Sports Mom, winter sports look a little different in our house. They’re less about rules and more about survival. Less “training” and more “please run around before bedtime.”

    Here’s what’s actually worked for us — both indoors and outdoors — when winter hits and staying active feels harder than it should.

    This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. I only share products I actually use or think other parents will love.

    Indoor Sports (Because Sometimes Going Outside Is Just Not Happening)

    Let’s start with the days when:

    • it’s too cold
    • it’s raining sideways
    • or you simply don’t have it in you

    🏀 Indoor Basketball (Hallway Edition)

    At some point, I accepted that our hallway is now a sports facility.

    A basketball hoop and a soft foam ball turn five minutes of setup into a solid 20 minutes of running, throwing, missing wildly, and celebrating anyway.

    Do I know the rules?
    No.
    Do I know it burns energy?
    Yes.

    ⚽ Indoor Soccer (Low Stakes, High Chaos)

    Indoor soccer with toddlers is mostly just running in circles with a ball — and honestly, that’s enough.

    We use:

    I don’t call drills. I just say, “Can you kick it over there?” and hope for the best.

    🏒 Floor Hockey (Same Dream, Less Ice)

    After attending enough hockey games, my toddler decided ice hockey was the goal.

    Ice was not happening.

    So we compromised with:

    It’s loud. It’s chaotic. But it scratches the itch without frostbite.


    “Winter Sports” Without the Winter Part

    Some sports don’t require snow — just balance and enthusiasm.

    ⛷️ Balance Practice (Pretend Ski Training)

    I’ve learned that toddlers don’t care if something is “technically correct.”

    A balance board (without screen time), a balance board game, or stepping stones become ski training in their minds.
    Scooters indoors (with rules) count too.

    Does this prepare them for the Olympics?
    Unclear.
    Does it help with coordination?
    Absolutely.

    🧘 Movement That Isn’t a Sport (But Saves the Day)

    Some days we need calmer movement.

    This is where kids yoga cards, stretch bands, or indoor obstacle courses come in.

    I call it “movement.”
    They call it “playing.”
    Everyone wins.


    Outdoor Winter Sports (When You Brave the Cold)

    When the weather is cold but manageable, getting outside still matters — even if it’s short.

    ❄️ Snow Sports for Toddlers

    Snow turns everything into a sport:

    • kicking a soccer ball through snow
    • throwing snowballs at a target
    • pulling a sled (which definitely counts as conditioning)

    The key here isn’t duration — it’s layers.

    Warm gloves, snow pants, and waterproof boots (👉 add links here) make all the difference between fun and meltdown.


    What I’ve Learned as a Not a Sports Mom in Winter

    Winter sports don’t need to look impressive.
    They don’t need rules.
    They don’t need perfect form.

    They just need:

    • movement
    • consistency
    • and a willingness to redefine what “counts”

    Because burning energy matters more than knowing the playbook.


    What Actually Helped Us (For Fellow Winter Survivors)

    If you’re staring down winter with an active toddler, these are the things that genuinely helped us:

    No pressure. No must-haves. Just options.


    Final Thoughts From the Cold Sidelines

    You don’t need to know sports to raise an active kid in winter.

    You just need:

    • flexibility
    • creativity
    • and realistic expectations

    If movement happens — even in small bursts — you’re doing it right.


    ❄️ Your Turn

    What do winter sports look like in your house?
    Indoor chaos? Backyard snow games?
    Tell me — I’m always taking notes.

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  • First Swim Lesson: How I Learned We’re All Just Swimming in Baby Pee

    First Swim Lesson: How I Learned We’re All Just Swimming in Baby Pee

    There are certain parenting milestones no one truly prepares you for.

    The first time your baby sleeps through the night.
    The first public meltdown.


    And, apparently, the first swim lesson — which is less “adorable bonding moment” and more “why are we all being observed like exotic mammals?”

    If you’ve never taken a baby or toddler to swim lessons, let me set the scene.

    You, your child, and roughly ten other parents are herded into a humid indoor pool. There is nowhere to hide. The walls are glass. People are watching. Some are smiling. Some are clearly judging your choice of swimsuit. All of them are pretending not to notice that we are collectively soaking in whatever is happening inside those tiny swim diapers.

    Welcome to swim class.

    This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. I only share products I actually use or think other parents will love.

    The Swim Diaper Delusion

    Before we even got in the water, I was confident. Prepared. Organized.

    Because I had done the thing you’re told to do.

    Double swim diapers.

    One disposable. One reusable.
    Locked. Loaded. Fort Knox, but for bodily fluids.

    I felt smug.
    I felt safe.
    I felt like a responsible adult.

    And then — within minutes of entering the pool — I had the horrifying realization that no one tells you loud enough:

    Swim diapers do not hold pee.

    Not one of them.
    Not two of them together.
    Not even if you whisper encouraging words to them.

    They are there for other things. And even then… let’s be honest… it’s a hope-and-a-prayer situation.

    So there I was, standing in chest-deep water, smiling at my kid, while my brain
    whispered:
    We are absolutely swimming in baby pee.

    Not just my baby’s.
    Everyone’s.

    Suddenly, the goggles made sense.


    The Zoo Exhibit Effect

    If the pee realization doesn’t get you, the glass walls will.

    Because swim lessons are apparently designed so spectators can watch from the outside like they’re visiting an aquarium.

    Parents. Grandparents. Random passersby.
    All pressed up against the glass.

    Watching.

    You.

    Trying to sing songs.
    Bounce your baby.
    Pretend this is normal.

    I have never felt more like a zoo animal in my life.

    Observe the First-Time Swim Parent in their natural habitat.
    Note the forced smile.
    The panic behind the eyes.
    The quiet calculation of how fast they can escape after the lesson ends.


    The Constant Fear of “The Incident”

    Every parent in that pool is carrying the same unspoken fear.

    Not drowning.
    Not splashing.

    Pooping.

    You’re smiling.
    You’re encouraging.
    But deep down, you’re watching your child like a hawk, thinking:

    Is that face concentration or is that… something else?

    Every bubble feels suspicious.
    Every pause feels dangerous.

    And yet, no one says anything.
    Because acknowledging it out loud feels like tempting fate.


    The Outfit Situation No One Warns You About

    Let’s talk swimsuits.

    Because finding a swimsuit for this phase of parenting is its own emotional journey.

    You want something:

    • Appropriate
    • Comfortable
    • Secure
    • That doesn’t make you feel like you’re wearing a costume you didn’t audition for

    You’re bending. Lifting. Holding a slippery baby.
    You don’t need straps failing or fabric shifting at the wrong moment.

    This is not the time for:

    • Anything strapless
    • Anything overly complicated
    • Anything that makes you constantly adjust

    You want functional confidence.
    “I can survive this class” energy.

    And yet, no matter what you wear, you’ll still feel a little weird — because again — glass walls.


    The 30-Minute Class That Requires an Olympic-Level Outfit Change

    For a class that lasts thirty minutes, the amount of changing involved is truly offensive.

    Wet baby.
    Wet parent.
    Tiny changing room.
    Nowhere to put anything.

    You peel off wet layers like you’re escaping a situation, not leaving a pool.

    Your baby suddenly has:

    • Zero interest in cooperating
    • Maximum interest in flailing
    • A newfound ability to turn boneless

    You leave damp.
    You smell like chlorine.
    You’re not sure if everything made it back into the bag.

    But hey — you did it.

    Emotional recovery involved:


    And Somehow… It’s Still Worth It

    Because here’s the thing.

    Even through the awkwardness.
    The pee thoughts.
    The glass walls.
    The outfit stress.

    Your kid is learning something important.

    They’re getting comfortable in the water.
    They’re building confidence.
    They’re learning trust — in you, in themselves, in their body.

    And you’re showing up.

    Even if you feel ridiculous.
    Even if you feel watched.
    Even if you spend the whole class mentally counting down until towel time.

    Sometimes parenting means doing things that feel uncomfortable for us because they’re good for them.

    Even if it means feeling like a zoo exhibit.
    Even if it means swimming in baby pee.
    Even if it means changing wet clothes for a class shorter than an episode of Bluey.


    Final Thought From the Sidelines

    You don’t have to love swim lessons.
    You don’t have to feel confident doing them.
    You just have to show up.

    Your kid won’t remember the pee.
    Or the glass walls.
    Or your internal panic.

    They’ll remember the water.
    The fun.
    And the fact that you were right there with them.

    And honestly?
    That’s a win.

    What Actually Helped

    (From One Over prepared Parent to Another)

    If you’re heading into your first swim lesson and feeling unsure, here’s what genuinely made it less chaotic for us:

    No pressure. No must-haves. Just the things that saved my sanity.

    🏊‍♀️ Your Turn:

    Did your kid love swim lessons? Hate them? Attempt a dramatic escape?
    Tell me your first swim class story — bonus points if it involves a locker room meltdown.




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  • About the Blog: Not a Sports Mom

    About the Blog: Not a Sports Mom

    About Not a Sports Mom

    Cheering Loudly. Understanding… Well, We’re Working on It.

    Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only share products we actually use, love, or genuinely think other sports parents would find helpful.

    Welcome to Not a Sports Mom!

    Welcome to Not a Sports Mom—the cozy corner of the internet built specifically for every parent who has ever sat on the sidelines wondering what in the world just happened. If you have ever desperately Googled a rule during a game, cheered a second too late, nodded through a conversation about strategic field formations you didn’t understand, or secretly hoped another parent would explain what the referee’s whistle meant, you’re in the right place. Actually, you’re home.

    Because here’s the thing nobody talks about enough: the kids aren’t the only ones learning. Some of us parents are out here learning alongside them too. When I became a mom, I expected to navigate standard parenting adventures like packing school lunches and surviving sleepless nights. I did not expect to learn about offsides, power plays, tournament brackets, golf etiquette, or why youth sports somehow require enough physical equipment to completely fill an entire garage. Yet here we are, and along the way, youth sports unexpectedly became one of the most rewarding, hilarious, and memorable chapters of our parenting journey.

    Hi, I’m Lisa!

    I am a proud mom, an enthusiastic cheerleader, and a deeply confused human whenever a game starts. Because I didn’t grow up playing organized sports, I was never the kid studying statistics or memorizing roster players. I certainly never imagined spending my weekends sitting in folding chairs beside muddy fields, ice rinks, and humid pools.

    But then I had my son. He absolutely loves anything that involves movement, competition, or an opportunity to wear a jersey—specifically soccer, hockey, golf, and swimming. Meanwhile, I’m over here trying to figure out what everyone else seems to instinctively understand. That’s why this blog began. Not because I suddenly became a sports expert, but because I realized there are countless other parents quietly Googling sports terminology from the parking lot who just want to support their kids.

    How This Blog Started

    The idea for Not a Sports Mom didn’t come from some grand business plan. It came from sitting on the sidelines, accidentally cheering at the wrong moment, and asking questions I thought everyone else already knew the answers to. As my son became more involved in athletic leagues, I found myself collecting funny, embarrassing, and heartwarming stories. Eventually, I realized that loving your kid and understanding sports are two completely different skill sets, and I wanted to create a community where we could all navigate the chaos together.


    What You’ll Find Here

    This blog isn’t written by a coach or a former athlete. It’s written by a parent who is happily figuring it out as she goes. Inside, you’ll discover real sideline stories to make you laugh over your morning coffee, sports explanations written in simple English, and honest posts about our favorite backyard sports gear and family athletic adventures.


    Sideline Survival Basics (From Experience, Not Expertise)

    While I may not be a sports expert, I have learned a few practical lessons over the years. Here’s the core checklist of gear that permanently lives in our family car’s sports kit:

    Must-Have GearWhy It Matters
    Folding ChairYour back will thank you during long doubleheaders.
    Portable ChargerKeeps your phone alive through infinite schedule checks.
    Water BottlesBecause hydration is non-negotiable for both of you.
    Travel SunscreenTo prevent you from looking like a lobster by halftime.
    Snack BagEssential for preventing post-game meltdown emergencies.


    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do I need sports experience to be a good sports parent?
    Absolutely not. Some of the best sports parents didn’t grow up playing sports themselves. Your main job is to support, cheer, and be present.

    What if I don’t understand the rules?
    You’re in excellent company! A surprising and rewarding part of parenting involves learning these games right alongside your child.


    What sports does your son play?
    Soccer, hockey, golf, swimming, and whatever new activity captures his attention this week.


    Is this blog only for moms?
    Not at all. Despite the name, this blog is for any parent, grandparent, caregiver, or family member supporting a sports-loving child.

    If You’re a Not a Sports Mom Too…

    You’re not behind. You’re not doing it wrong. And you’re definitely not alone. You’re simply navigating one of the funniest, most chaotic, and unexpectedly rewarding chapters of parenting. So grab your coffee, claim your folding chair, pack an extra snack, and join me on the sidelines. We’ll figure it out together!

    Start Here: Favorite Not a Sports Mom Stories

    If you’re new here, these are some of the posts that best capture what Not a Sports Mom is all about.

    ⚽ The Time I Cheered for the Wrong Team (And Other Sideline Fails)

    Proof that sports parents are learning too. From celebrating the wrong goal to sitting in the wrong place, this is a collection of my most memorable sports-parent mistakes.

    Read Next: The Time I Cheered for the Wrong Team

    🎒 The Sports Mom Survival Kit

    The products that earned permanent spots in my car after years of practices, tournaments, camps, forgotten snacks, weather surprises, and sideline emergencies.

    Read Next: The Sports Mom Survival Kit

    ⚽ How My Son Somehow Ended Up With Five Different Soccer Jerseys

    A World Cup story featuring Team USA, Tim Ream, Charlotte FC, morning highlight reels, mysterious soccer sock holes, and the realization that kids watch sports very differently than adults.

    Read Next: How My Son Somehow Ended Up With Five Different Soccer Jerseys

    🏡 The Backyard Games, Sports, and Summer Activities My Kid Never Gets Tired Of

    The backyard activities, family Olympics, soccer tournaments, bike adventures, and made-up games that somehow became some of our favorite family memories.

    Read Next: The Backyard Games, Sports, and Summer Activities My Kid Never Gets Tired Of

    ⛳ How We Accidentally Became a Golf Family

    The story of how one random golf ball in our yard somehow turned into golf clubs, golf tees, putting contests, and a child who now critiques my golf game.

    Read Next: How We Accidentally Became a Golf Family

    🏊 First Swim Lesson: How I Learned We’re All Just Swimming in Baby Pee

    One of the earliest adventures in our sports journey, featuring swim diapers, nervous parents, tiny swimmers, and lessons I definitely wasn’t expecting to learn.

    Read Next: First Swim Lesson: How I Learned We’re All Just Swimming in Baby Pee

    📚 Essential Tips for Youth Sports Parents

    Everything I wish someone had told me before I accidentally became a sports parent. From equipment and snacks to schedules and sanity-saving advice.

    Read Next: Essential Tips for Youth Sports Parents

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