Are you crazy about the Fall Season?

Team Mom & Dad

This kind of devotion to your kid's athletic ambitions can put a strain on other areas of your life. Here are some ways to help you better manage your busy schedule.

•  Mark times and dates for practices and games on an agenda, and list who is scheduled to shuttle the kids around on what days. Also, enlist other parents, friends and family to help you do the driving. Hint: you can score points with other parents by cheering their kids on during games.

•  Ask the coaches for a list of clothing and equipment you will need to get your kids ready for the season (like helmets, shin guards, jerseys, sports hats, etc.).

•  Don't buy shoes that are too big that they will "grow into." Wearing shoes that do not fit properly can lead to injuries. The space between their toes and the shoe tip should be no larger than the width of your thumb.

•  Make sure the kids have all their equipment with them before you leave the house for practice or a game. You might want to stash some extra mouthpieces, socks, etc. in a car organizer just in case.

•  Use car time to talk about something other than the game with your kids. If you crave quality time with them to find out what's going on in their lives, now's your chance, you've got them cornered. Are you ready to tackle the demands of work and home life now? Well then, get the kids dressed and ready, grab your coffee and your copy of Working Mother Magazine and hit the road.

•  For the kids: Here are some sports coloring pages for kids. And tennis, skiing, golf, baseball, gymnastics and more sports coloring pages for girls.