Can we chat Mom to Mom? You see, I didn't grow up around much football… my brother played soccer and baseball.  My Dad did not watch football on TV, I know this is not the norm; he played in high school and someone on his team was severely injured.  The player should not have been playing due to an illness and during the practice, my Dad did a legal hit but it hurt the other player horribly.  My Dad never played or watched again.

So with this in mind, I of course married a football player! LOL No really, he played all through his childhood, high school was recruited by some big named colleges until they realized he stopped growing in the 9th grade. He did play college ball and loved it!  He even looked at going into coaching football until the Air Force won out in the end.  

I share all of this with you because I am experiencing something I have never experienced… football EVERY Saturday!  Now my son is playing football in a rec league.  This is his 2nd season and he seems to love it.  It is really odd to me as he is not aggressive at all.  He is not a typical football player build… tall, lanky, minimal muscles… you know 12 years old and dripping wet 90 pounds!  On Saturdays and practices, I sit there in the stands and watch, hold my breath and pray that there are no injuries.  I know the pads and helmets are there for protection but when you can hear the crack from the boys "hitting" each other, it takes my breath away.

Since my husband is VERY familiar with children's football, I always wait for his reaction to see if I can breathe or be nervous. Thankfully Lance and his team mates have not had any major injuries, and I pray that this continues for all of the kiddos!

All that I have shared to this point may not be too unexpected; the part of football that has been more of a shock to me is the couple of hours that happen after we are home from a practice or a game.  The beginning of the season was the worst but it still does happen but at a lower degree… aches and pains!

Lance has played other sports, mainly soccer and has had some muscle soreness but wow!  He gets welts, bruises and major muscle pain.  We had to come up with a routine to control these otherwise, I know my son he would be trying to use these as his excuse to miss school!  What I want to share with you is the routine we has seemed to perfect this football season… our post game/practice routine.

1. We have learned that if you have a garage, it is best to have a plastic bin that his helmet, shoulder pads and cleats will fit in (keep that muddy mess out of the house!)
2. Eat some protein (Lance's favorite is peanut butter crackers.
3. Shower!!!! Long hot shower.
4. Some type of lotion that has a muscle relaxer in it.  We like to use coconut oil with a couple of drops of peppermint essential oil in it.
5. Sit and relax a bit, maybe watch a TV show or read a book.
6. After 1 hour, on the elliptical or a walk for 15 minutes to keep those muscles from getting too stiff.
7. Another round of the lotion with peppermint oil (if extra bruising then I add lavender essential oil to the mix)
8. Lots, and lots of sleep!  Don't you know, God heals you while you are sleeping! 

If it was an EXTRA hard game/practice or the first of the season, we put him in a tub with Epson salt, peppermint essential oil and lavender essential oil. There are 2 wonderful massage oils that are added to the mix at the beginning of the season too… Ortho Sport and Ortho Ease.  If there is a headache involved, then watch this video on how we handle that. 

Of course part of Mommy's routine when it comes to all things with my kiddos but especially sports is prayer! I pray for the safety of all the players on both sides and that the bumps and bruises (both physically and emotionally) are short term on the body but long term in the heart.

Next year my daughter has decided to go out for the Middle School Cross Country Team, I am sure this routine will become very familiar for her too!

Do you have kiddos that play hard? What are some of your Mommy tricks and secrets for a quick recovery?  Can't wait to hear below!

Love and blessings my friends!

Dawn

Dawn Wilkerson is a busy "Mom-prenuer" who has a deep passion for God, her family and for encouraging other busy moms! Dawn wants to inspire you to be the strong, Confident Mom, you were created to be! Join her on "An Oil a Day Keeps the Doctor Away" to learn how her twenty-five most utilized oils keep her family healthy and happy!

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