Pro Cheer Moms: 7 Life Hacks to Keep Yourself Sane

Motherhood is one of the best experiences a woman can have in life. But being great at it is quite challenging. It’s even more difficult to be both a mother and a pro cheerleader. You have parenting tasks that can interfere with your responsibilities as a squad member - and you'll also have squad activities that might affect your personal schedule.

On top of that, less sleep can impact your fitness routines. There’s also this immense feeling of worry when you’re out practicing knowing that your children aren’t by your side. But I want you to know that with every problem, there’s always a solution. Here are 7 tips to find life balance so you can be a great mother and a pro cheerleader at the same time.

1. Don’t feel guilty

Feeling guilty about not spending time with your kids is pretty common especially if you’re out rehearsing with your squad. To prevent this from happening, think about how your role is benefitting your team, yourself, and your family. The same advice also applies as you work on your job.

2. Stay connected during the day

Cellphones, tablets, and computers are affordable nowadays. That makes it convenient for you to video call your children when you’re with your team members, if you miss them, or just want to do a routine check. If your children are too young to operate a device, ask their nanny to answer your call for them. If they’re old enough to use a phone, configure their devices to be child-friendly.

Better yet, install nanny cams so you can make sure that your children are really safe. I worry about my kids when I’m out a lot and these tips help me feel reassured.

3. Get house help

Speaking of nannies, get one. I would highly recommend employing the help of an immediate relative. Especially a trustworthy female. You can ask your niece, aunt, or mother to care for your child. A hired nanny who you don’t know well will only throw you off focus when you’re practicing pro cheer routines due to worry.

4. Don’t clean your house

No time to clean your house or don’t want to do it? Then don’t. There are plenty of apps available to hire a house cleaner. The best thing about doing so is that you have more time to relax, care for, or play with your kids as someone else tidies up your abode. As an added tip, order everything online, especially groceries.

5. Talk to your partner

If you don’t want a nanny, ask your partner to look after your kids. Agree on a schedule that doesn’t compromise your squad responsibilities and your significant other’s work. Telling your spouse a simple, “Honey, can you look after our children for a while? I have squad practice but it won’t take long.” would suffice.

6. Sleep whenever you can

Sleep deprivation is one of the major causes of mental problems for parents. I’ve been there and it’s not fun. You’re more prone to feeling irritable and that could ruin your relationship with your family and squad.

Worse, you’ll feel more depressed, anxious, and drained of energy - things that could prevent you from being a great mother and squad member. If the kids are asleep, get those zzzzzz’s as well, especially if there is nothing important to do at the moment.

7. Set ground rules

This might be hard to do for most mothers. But it’s still one of the best strategies to balance your pro cheer and motherly responsibilities. If it’s on your schedule for pro cheer squad activities or exercising, don’t let anything or anyone interrupt you, unless it’s truly an emergency. Set a rule that you can only be bothered if you’re free to be bothered.

For new mothers out there, I know it’s hard to juggle your responsibilities right now. Just do your best. It won’t be long until you notice that time has quickly passed and your children have grown. When the time comes, keep on pursuing your pro cheer dreams and other life aspirations. Don’t let anything stop you!

Need more advice for motherhood and pro cheerleading? Read these articles:

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