Balancing the Rush: Managing a Busy Sports Season for Your Family’s Wellbeing

As fall kicks in, so does the whirlwind of activities for families—football games, soccer practices, tennis matches and more. From coordinating drop-offs and pickups to attending games and juggling schedules, this time of year can feel like a non-stop race. While it’s great to encourage physical activity and family bonding, it’s equally important to find balance amidst the chaos. Dr. Laura Eddy, Psychologist at Modern Minds, shares her insights on how to keep your family thriving during this busy sports season.

1. Prioritize Healthy Habits

Dr. Eddy emphasizes that even in a busy schedule, it’s essential not to neglect basic wellness habits like eating healthy, getting enough sleep and staying active as a family. “Establish a routine that ensures everyone has time to refuel with nutritious meals, drink plenty of water, and rest,” she advises. “Even a 15-minute family stretch or downtime can make a big difference.”

2. Make Time for Family Bonding

According to Dr. Eddy, sports and activities can be an incredible opportunity for family connection. “Cheering each other on, sharing excitement over favorite teams, or playing a game together helps create lasting memories,” she says. Make these shared experiences moments of joy and bonding.

3. Embrace Flexibility

Life can get unpredictable, especially with overlapping schedules. Dr. Eddy encourages families to be flexible. “Let go of perfection and focus on what really matters—family connection and fun,” she explains. If things don’t go exactly as planned, like a missed practice or rescheduled game, remind yourself it’s okay to be adaptable.

4. Encourage a Growth Mindset

“There is growing evidence that a “growth mindset” (i.e., emphasizing that skills can be developed, and challenges are chances to learn) is linked to greater resilience,” says Dr. Eddy. Sports are an excellent opportunity to promote a growth mindset in your child. “Praise your child’s efforts and growth as opposed to praising only outcomes. For example, statements such as “you’ve worked hard at developing your corner kick this year” or “you’ve really learned a lot about football” help children learn to value skill development and learning as opposed to purely focusing on winning or losing,” explains Dr. Eddy. Of course, everyone loves to celebrate a win! Just remember to also celebrate learning and effort with equal enthusiasm.

5. Encourage Balance, Not Overload

Dr. Eddy cautions against overloading the family calendar with too many activities. “While sports are fantastic, too many commitments can lead to burnout,” she warns. “Make sure to allow time for rest and unstructured activities where no one is rushing from place to place.” A balanced schedule helps everyone stay energized and engaged.

6. Practice Mindfulness

“With so much happening, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush,” says Dr. Eddy. She recommends practicing mindfulness by staying present. “Take a deep breath and appreciate the moment—whether you’re watching a game or enjoying dinner together.” This helps families stay grounded and connected, even in busy times.

Finding Joy in the Chaos

Dr. Eddy reminds us that while this time of year can be hectic, it’s also filled with opportunities for growth, excitement and fun. By embracing balance, promoting healthy habits, and creating moments of connection, families can navigate this busy season with ease. “It’s not just about keeping up with the sports schedule—it’s about building lifelong memories and staying strong as a team, both on and off the field,” she concludes.