This post is sponsored by Aflac I was compensated for writing it, but all opinions are 100% mine.
Kay has a natural inclination to sports. She loves doing active things, moving around, and she's good at it, too. (You should see her pitch a ball - what an arm this kid has!)
I have a natural inclination to keeping her safe. The two don't always mesh.
I have a natural inclination to keeping her safe. The two don't always mesh.
While I love seeing her so happy, the neurotic mom in me also worries about potential injuries. She's already had the run-of-the-mill bumps and bruises from playing. During soccer, she hurt her leg and had to sit out for the rest of the game (with much pouting the whole time) and she lost her tooth in hockey (though, fortunately, it was a loose baby one and before she even got on the ice - phew!).
While I can't control it all (darn!) and I certainly can't prevent her from doing something she so enjoys, I can take small steps to keep her sports-playing safer (and put my mind at ease...at least a little!).
- Wear proper-fitting protective gear. Of course, kids should always have the proper gear when they're playing a game, depending on the sport. Hockey equipment can be expensive, but shopping at used sports supplies stores can keep your budget intact and the kids happy (and safe) too.
- Stretch. If the coach doesn't encourage stretching, then you should, before you get there if need be. Stretching increases the range of motion and makes it less likely that those muscles will be injured during all the movement sports require.
- Don't play when injured. "Play through the pain" is the stupidest thing to teach young athletes (and "stupid" is a banned word in our house!). Nothing can aggravate a minor injury more - and potentially turn it into a major one - than continuing to play while you're in pain. Pain is the body's way of saying, "Hey, stop that!" Kids should be told that if they're not feeling their best, then they should hold off on playing to prevent permanent damage.
- Water, water, water! Staying hydrated keeps little athletes performing well - and keeps them healthy, too.
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Check out theofficial rules and get your entry in today!
There will be three prize packages awarded; winners will be announced Oct. 28, Nov. 4 and Nov. 11.
The Ultimate College Football Experience Sweepstakes includes:
* Two tickets to the biggest college football game of the weekend.
* Meet & greet with Desmond Howard.
* Round trip airfare.
* Hotel accommodations.
* Ground transportation to and from events.
* $500 prepaid debit card for food and other expenses.
Check out theofficial rules and get your entry in today!
There will be three prize packages awarded; winners will be announced Oct. 28, Nov. 4 and Nov. 11.
CONSUMER NOTICE: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED BY LAW. Open to legal permanent residents of 50 U.S. states and DC, 21 or older, who have Internet access and valid email address prior to 08/28/14. To enter and for Official Rules, including odds and prize descriptions, click here. This sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook or Twitter. For a winner's list (after 11/10/14), visit the Ultimate College Football Experience tab of this page or mail request to Aflac "Ultimate College Football Experience" (Specify Winner List), Media Relations, 1932 Wynnton Road, Columbus, GA 31999. Sponsor: American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus.
This post was sponsored by Aflac. Aflac offers supplemental insurance plans to help cope with the financial stress when someone is injured or unexpectedly ill. This allows you to focus on taking care of the person and not worry about the bills! For more information, visit Aflac.com.
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I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.