This is real runner mom life. It’s messy, it’s loud, and somehow, it still keeps me sane.

Club Sports Rule the Schedule

When your kid is in club sports, you quickly learn your weekends are no longer your own. Between carpools, game days, and endless team group texts, planning a long run can feel like a logistical puzzle. I’ve run laps around soccer complexes, squeezed in treadmill runs before away games, and even counted “chasing my kid through the parking lot” as a warm-up.

But here’s the thing—I wouldn’t trade it. Watching my kid love their sport reminds me why I lace up, too. We’re both chasing goals, just in different ways.

Vacations Aren’t Really “Vacations”

Family trips with a 10-year-old athlete? Let’s just say the word “relax” doesn’t always apply. Between tournaments in different cities and trying to find “fun” time that isn’t just another field, vacations look different now. But they’re still sacred.

We’ve learned to get creative:

• Early-morning runs before the day gets busy.
• Making hotel gyms work
• Turning sightseeing into family movement—hello, walking tours and hikes.

Vacations might not mean pure downtime anymore, but they’re where the best QT happens.

Squeezing in the QT (Quality Time)

At this stage, it’s not about grand gestures. QT is found in little pockets: chatting during warm-ups, grabbing ice cream after practice, or walking together before bed. My runs give me energy so I can actually enjoy those small moments instead of just collapsing on the couch.

And honestly, sometimes the best quality time is when my kid bikes alongside me while I run. I get my miles, they get to race me, and we both win.

Balance in This Season

Balance doesn’t mean equal. It means adapting. Some weeks training is the priority, other weeks it’s my kid’s tournament or a family trip. And yes, sometimes QT looks like collapsing together on the couch with pizza after a long day. That counts, too.

The truth? This season of life is busy, chaotic, and not always Instagram-pretty. But it’s full. Full of miles, full of laughter, full of soccer balls rolling through my living room. And that’s the balance I’m learning to love.

At the End of the Day

Being a runner mom to a 10-year-old in club sports means living in a constant juggling act. But here’s what I’ve found—training makes me a more patient parent, parenting keeps me flexible with running, and together they both remind me what balance really looks like. It’s not perfect, but it’s ours.

Shop my favorite running gear HERE.

The post The Real Runner Mom Life: Training, Parenting, and Finding Balance appeared first on a Happy Healthy Home.

For starters, the first two years of Emerson’s life we did not give her any sweets. Yes you read that correctly no chocolate, ice cream, cupcakes, etc. People looked at us like we were weird, mean, fill in the blank. Trust me I heard it all, even from family. I didn’t care because we were creating healthy eating habits.

Dress

How is it working out for us? So far so good! We’ve created a healthy eater for the most part. Emerson loves broccoli, salmon, chicken, eggs, etc. I chalk this up to starting to create healthy habits from the get go. Basically from the moment she had solid foods we gave her exactly what we were eating (obviously within reason).

Sorry but I wasn’t about to make two meals. Mama doesn’t have time for that nor did I want that to be a norm — but hey if it works for you that’s cool, but that wasn’t our jam. Fast forward to today. She does get options when it comes to breakfast or lunch, but dinner is whatever mom is making.

Also, I should mention we’ve slowly started to introduce sweets i.e., cookies, muffins, ice cream, etc. Usually a bite or two is all she needs and guess what, she’s not asking for more! Why because it’s a special treat not a meal. To be honest there have been a few times she’s taken a bit and said, “I don’t like it.” Sorry, but mom win!

5 Ways to Raise Kids with Healthy Eating Habits 

1. Feed your Kids what you are Eating (assuming you have healthy eating habits)
2. Don’t introduce sweet treats the first few years
3. Offer fruit or veggie snacks instead of proceed packaged items
4. Variety is the spice of life
5. Get them involved in cooking early on

Rain boots

There you have it. It worked for us and hopefully you’ll find these simple yet effective tips somewhat helpful to you. Good luck. Have any questions about what we eat drop a note below or email me directly.

Disclaimer: Remember all kids are different. I NEVER label foods as good vs. bad. Oh, and always do what works for you and your family. No judgement if you don’t agree with me. These are my opinions I not a RD, Nutritionist, healthcare provider, etc.

The post 5 Tips for Raising a Healthy Eater appeared first on a Happy Healthy Home.

Thank you Nature Valley and Walmart for inspiring and sponsoring today’s post. 

Life as a toddler mom is crazy and I only have one. I can only imagine what life would be like with more. Big props to those juggling life with two plus kids. Better yet the parents playing both mom and dad! I seriously don’t know how you do it.

We’re at the stage with Emerson where we count or give her options to make things happen. With that said, there are a few things I NEVER leave the house without – snacks, water and my phone for snapping all the cute photos.

Oh, snacks. This child loves her snacks and I’m always trying to mix it up because I never want to hear “I don’t like it.” Which we usually do after she’s eaten 75% of whatever it is. We’re working on the difference between “I don’t like it” and “all done.” Hey she’s not even three.

Earlier this summer Nature Valley came out with Granola Cups and Biscuit Sandwich products which I picked up with Nick and me in mind. Well, Emerson LOVED them too… big surprise. Fast forward to cruising Walmart the other weekend and I noticed they now have Biscuits with Cocoa Almond Butter. You better believe I bought a box…ok maybe two. I’ve been a fan of Nature Valley since my high school swim days and these new products didn’t let me down. Who would have thought 20 years later I would be passing on my love for Nature Valley products to Emerson.

It doesn’t hurt that they make the easiest snack for busy moms. Grab and go is the name of the game here. Plus, if you purchase the Almond Butter Granola Cups there’s two in every package making it perfect for sharing. And I’m all about sharing snacks

The Nature Valley Biscuits with Cocoa Almond Butter and Almond Butter Granola Cups have quickly become our fall go-to snack whether it’s running errands, hiking, or hanging out at home.

What’s your current go-to snack? I’m always on the hunt for new ideas.

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