Soccer Mom's answer to the question of the week

Someone found my blog by googling "what to do while daughter is at soccer practice".

I don't have a lot of experiences that people find useful. But, in general I spend about 10 hours a week at various practices, and I always find something to do. So here is my list:

1) KNIT. Knitting is my favorite pastime when I have to wait. In the fall and spring, when I am at a practice or game 6-7 days a week I leave a project in the car so I am never "empty handed". At the moment I am working on a cool skullcap for N. Any yarn shop in the country offers knitting classes - or you can ask your Aunt Elma. You can also put in a notice on Craigs List to find someone. "Wanted knitting instructor. Cheap." Knitting is great because it is a completely practical use of otherwise "wasted" time. In 2008 I knitted something like 10 baby caps, at least 2 scarves and I finished a baby blanket. You can knit simple pot holders after just 1 class - they make great, thoughtful hostess gifts (or, you can keep them for yourself)!

If you don't knit or crochet, you can bring along a notebook and write, take along a bag of scrap booking stuff, I've even seen a nanny plan practically her entire wedding waiting for taekwondo practices to get over. You can even clip coupons. You would be amazed what people pull out of their bags of tricks.

2) I-Pod. Nothing better to drown out cackles from gossiping soccer moms like your iPod. You can download free podcasts if you want to make the time "useful" (catch up on news, politics, celebrity gossip, or even.... smut! HA!). One of my cohorts is all smiles at tkd practice while she laughs at downloaded TV programs.

3) Get to know the other families. There are a lot of interesting people waiting with me. You will be amazed by the breadth of opinions on BRRSD, politics, Bridgewater, or movie even tips, while your kids kick balls into the goal or runs laps around the studio.

4) TAKE A WALK! Get off the Eddie Bauer lawn chair, and put on your Nikes! I can honestly say that walking with another parent during soccer practice led to a freelance gig! That's called multitasking (walking, networking and taking your kid to practice). You don't need another parent to join you, but of course you can invite others. They'll probably be happy to be asked.

5) You don't have to stay. Often I pick up a few things at the grocery store (although this might stress you out if you are afraid of being late). Don't stay at practice if you want to go home and start dinner. Some parents feel they have to stay because of the "unstated face time requirements" of this comparative mothering race we have gotten ourselves into. Other parents are paranoid that their kid might get hurt. I can honestly say that my child has never been hurt while I have been elsewhere! Although, as a rule of thumb I like to be there when my child is sparring...

6) BRING A BOOK. It's good for kids to see their (or other) parents reading! You can also read to your other kids, or even a bunch of other people's kids.

7) Carpool. Once the kids hit a certain age, they don't want to see you on the sidelines anyway. Carpools are eco-friendly. Remember - the key to a successful carpooling relationship is FLEXIBILITY.

8) Play with your other kids. Leave a deck of cards in the car, or a bag of legos or an age-appropriate toy. They are waiting, too.

9) Sudoko, Cross word puzzles, Anagrams, etc. Don't let your brain turn to mush. There are plenty of sources online, or you can buy a book and leave it (don't forget the PENCIL) in your car. My mom never went ANYWHERE without a crossword puzzle and The New Yorker in her purse. Apparently crosswords reduce the risk of Alzheimers Disease.

10) Nothing. In this fast paced life, there is absolutely nothing wrong with sitting in your chair and watching your kid play.

Finally: this might be a no-brainer, but during soccer season there are some essentials I try to always have in the car. Lawn chairs, a wool blanket and water. Oh, and, of course, knitting.

It's up to you what you do with your time. When your kid is at soccer, yes, that qualifies as YOUR time. SPEND IT AS IT SUITS YOU!