How I Juggle My Daughter's Volleyball Season with Our Hectic Schedules
Like most of us, I’m a working mom. As such, finding the balance between my career, my daughter's activities, and my husband's busy schedule is a constant struggle. There are seasons where my career wins out and my daughter spends more time with my parents and my husband more time with his game console! And then there are seasons when it switches and I feel like I just exist to service my daughter or husband 😂 . But now and then, I achieve that sweet balance. And when I do, it’s such a fulfilling experience.
My daughter is 10 years old, attends traditional school, and plays volleyball. She’s been playing volleyball with the United States Youth Volleyball League (USYVL) for three years. She practices on Wednesdays and has games on Saturdays at a park in our neighborhood for about 10 weeks each season, and there are three seasons each year. The coaches are former volleyball players, college athletes, and even volunteer parents. Over the years, coaches have insisted she’s quite good and suggested she move up to club volleyball. But friends, I’m not ready. I’m not ready for the impact of that commitment on the balance of our lives.
Let me explain. Starting from the beginning.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Extracurricular Activity
I totally support my daughter playing volleyball. Promise! When it comes to extracurricular activities, I believe choosing the right one is really important. The “right” one likely involves a combination of her interests, developmental needs, and my family’s logistical and financial constraints.
My daughter loves volleyball. She plays it at home (yes, indoors) every day after school. She forces her friends to play it during recess at school. And she fusses at me whenever we’re not early to practice. And I don’t mind because the sport is a great way for her to stay active, develop teamwork skills, and make new friends.
But as my daughter prepares to enter middle school, there are new challenges on the horizon. Switching classes, harder coursework, more social dynamics, and puberty are all part of the package. When that time comes, I want her to focus on adjusting to these changes without the added pressure of a more demanding volleyball schedule. By keeping her in park volleyball, she can continue to enjoy the sport while also prioritizing her education and well-being.
Also, when it comes to my family’s logistical and financial constraints, that’s where I find I’m not ready for club volleyball. As much as I want to support her passion, I have to be realistic about what we can handle as a family. Park volleyball is more affordable, less time-consuming, and fits better with our schedule… for now. She gets to do what she loves without killing my sanity or wallet.
She also gets to focus exclusively on doing what she loves. I’m a big supporter of the concept of “quality over quantity” when it comes to extracurricular activities. Instead of enrolling my daughter in multiple activities, spreading both of us too thin, I focus on one that she really enjoys and excels at. This way, she can give it her best without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, it allows us to manage our time more effectively.
Don’t feel pressured to do it all. Sometimes, the most empowering thing we can do is say no. By setting boundaries for our family and being selective about the commitments we take on, we can ensure that we’re giving our best to the things that matter most.
Coordinating Schedules: The Art of Compromise
Once we committed to volleyball as my daughter’s extracurricular activity, then came the fun task of scheduling. Balancing my daughter’s volleyball practices and games with my work schedule and my husband’s coaching commitments requires a lot of coordination. I work in nonprofit advancement, and I have busy seasons. There are times when I’m knee-deep in fundraising events, solicitation mailers, grant reports, and alumni events. Similarly, there are times when my husband is elbows-deep in spring ball conditioning, summer ball scrimmages, and fall ball games.
To make it work, we’ve developed a system of early communication, compromises, and creative scheduling. For instance, my husband may miss Wednesday practices because of immovable scrimmages, but he schedules his Saturday training sessions after my daughter’s volleyball games to make sure he can attend. It’s all about being flexible and finding a balance that works for everyone.
It’s also important to us to make the most of the volleyball time we have. This means when there are practices and games, we’re all in! We cheer her on from the sidelines, celebrate her victories, and offer encouragement when things don’t go her way. It’s these moments that matter most and make all the juggling worthwhile.
Going With the Flow
But seriously, there are days when it feels like we’re barely making it. My daughter and I have a thing we’ll say when one of us is a little off our game — “Get your life together!” My daughter will hilariously respond, “I tried. It didn’t work.” There are so many days when our lives are not together. There are last-minute schedule changes, unexpected work demands, and those inevitable moments when everything seems to go wrong (like only bringing one volleyball shoe or forgetting the volleyball altogether). But through it all, we’ve learned to prepare the best we can and then go with the flow.
Tips for Other Working Moms
Here are some tips that have helped us navigate this busy season of life:
Prioritize: Focus on the activities that matter most to your child and your family. It’s okay to say no to things that don’t fit into your schedule.
Communicate: Keep an open and preemptive line of communication with your partner, your child’s coaches, and your employer. Let them know your limitations and work together to find solutions.
Be Flexible: Things won’t always go as planned, and that’s okay. Be willing to adjust and find creative solutions to make things work.
Take Care of Yourself: It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget about self-care. Make time for yourself, even if it’s just a few minutes each day. A little self-care goes a long way in keeping you energized and focused.
Find Your Support System: Whether it’s other parents, friends, or family members, having a support system can make all the difference. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
Celebrate the Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate the small victories along the way. Whether it’s a great game, a successful fundraiser, or simply making it through the week, these moments are worth celebrating.
Navigating school and extracurricular activities as a working mom is no easy feat, but it’s a journey filled with love, learning, and a lot of laughter. By prioritizing what matters most, finding a balance that works for our family, and embracing the busyness along the way, we’re making it work. And at the end of the day, that’s what matters most.
So, to all the other working moms out there juggling schedules, supporting passions, and navigating the beautiful chaos of family life – you’re doing an amazing job. Keep going, keep laughing, and remember, you’ve got this. If you have any tips or stories about how you manage your kids' extracurricular activities with a busy work schedule, I’d love to hear from you! Share your experiences in the comments below. Let's support each other on this wild, wonderful journey of motherhood.
