For kids, there’s nothing better than playing sports and knowing that your grandparents are on the sidelines watching. For grandparents, there’s nothing more fun than being there for your grandkids. Seeing them on the field, cheering them on when appropriate, imparting wisdom considerately when needed, and giving them a big hug or pat on the back at the end of the game are priceless moments of time. Being there lets them know they mean the world to you, and your involvement is something they will never forget. However, when attending games, it’s important for grandparents to come prepared. Here are suggestions on important items to bring:
- Light portable chairs with drink a holder – It may be challenging for some grandparents to climb bleachers, sit on backless steel benches, or worse yet be seated on hard ground. To be comfortable, consider bringing your own light portable chairs with a drink holder. These chairs can be popped up and positioned in a shaded space to watch the game. Those with drink holders conveniently hold water bottles or cups of coffee. Avoid heavy chairs that are hard to carry and those which are challenging to open and close.
- Beverages and light snacks – Some games can be long, and the weather can be hot and moist. Refreshing drinks and nourishing snacks allow spectators to stay hydrated in various weather conditions. It can also calm thirst and hunger and help folks maintain energy and focus. Skip soda and empty calorie snacks. Rather bring healthy snacks like whole grain protein bars, orange slices, string cheese, or cut up veggies. Click here for more healthy snack ideas. And be sure to pack extra for your sports player for the game’s end. Consider keeping an ice-filled cooler in the car or bring a small, portable one and keep it in the shade. That way you can grab cool drinks as needed.
- Sun protection products – It’s very important to have skin protection when spending time outdoors. Per Colorescience, “You might be under the impression that if the sun isn’t directly beaming down and heating up your skin, that you’re safe from sunburn. However, that’s not always the case. While you might not feel the burn developing, that nice tree or umbrella you’re sitting under may not be enough to block out all the sun’s rays.” Sitting in the sun can help, but it doesn’t offer full protection. Talk to your doctor about ways to protect yourself from dangerous UV rays that can potentially harm your skin. Applying broad spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher is generally recommended. Broad spectrum guards against UVA and UVB rays, so it offers wide range protection. Sunglasses are also an essential part of sun safety, thereby protecting delicate eyes from the sun. Choose sunglasses which offer the ultimate in sun protection and those which are lightweight and properly fitting.
- Automatic open umbrella – The weather is sometimes hard to predict, and games can suddenly end due to stormy weather or rain delays. There’s nothing worse than being caught in a driving rain without an umbrella. For days where the weather is iffy – and storms may or may not happen – bringing along an umbrella can mean the difference between a comfortable and uncomfortable car ride should the heavens open! Choose extra large designs with comfortable handles. Umbrellas that open easily and automatically with a push of the button located on the shaft can provide respite from rain. Also, umbrellas can double as shade providers when needed, so they are totally handy on sunny days, too.
- Hand towels, wipes, tissues, & hand sanitizer – Kids are notorious for getting dirty. And being outdoors can put one’s allergies in overdrive.Conditions can be rough outdoors, so why not be prepared with the proper supplies to clean dirty hands and wipe runny noses? Towels are perfect for cleaning off dirty bleachers, acting as a seating cushion, or for wiping sweaty heads coming off the field. Even if you don’t need them for yourself, there is the likelihood that another parent is looking for a hand towel, wipes, tissues, or hand sanitizers. Why not be ready?
- Warming supplies – The weather can take sudden turns during the fall, turning what feels like a spring day into
- First aid kit – Sports sometimes equal injuries. Even young siblings attending the game may be prone to getting injured when running and playing. Because accidents can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere, having a first aid kit is essential. Lucky for us, today’s manufacturers have come up with small, portable first aid kits bearing the essentials like alcohol pads, antibacterial creams, adhesive bandages and gauze, regular strength pain medication, and more. It’s always better to be overprepared than underprepared!
- Cameras – Part of the fun of attending events is to capture moments of time. There is no better way to do so than through the lens of the camera. Capturing that homerun hit, amazing tackle, or first soccer goal provides documented moments in time associated with youthfulness and pride. Grandparents don’t forget to get a selfie of you and your favorite sports player so that you’ll also be included in their heartfelt memories and personal hall of fame!
Appreciating special moments
It is truly the honor of every grandparent to attend sports games and other events like holiday concerts starring their grandchildren. Being ready for outdoor events is especially important, as heat, cold and other weather conditions can change on a dime, thereby necessitating preparedness. Rather than miss out, a few simple preparations can keep you on top of things and put a big smile on your sports player’s face!