Hi there,

I love watching my kids move. But I don’t love running around to three practices a week, spending weekends at sports fields, or signing up for something that feels more like a job than joy.

Hi, I’m Lakshmi, mom of two, tired (but trying), and reporting from the parenting trenches. And in this issue, I’m sharing how I got my kids moving, without burning out.

If you’ve ever felt like a “lazy” parent, maybe you’re just practical. Or tired. Or both. This is for YOU. Let’s get started…

They Don’t Learn Sports From The Screen

Screens have their place. But for sports? Not so much.

My husband’s from a sports background, so our kids mostly learned by doing, with him, with friends, at school. Sure, we’ve picked up the occasional YouTube trick, like how to pitch better, but never a full sport. They watch a lot of content online, but not sports tutorials. 

I know kids who’ve learned newer games like slam ball or pickleball online, but for us, it’s always been real-life-first. 

By 15, one in four teens have quit sport. What can parents do? 

When we said no to the “next level” team 

My 9-year-old is a great baseball player. Last year, he got recommended for the more competitive team, but it came with two to three practices a week, plus games.

With my older son’s schedule in the mix, it would’ve been chaos.

So we said NO.

We chose the rec team instead, just one practice, one game a week. Was he a little behind when he rejoined the competitive team this season? Yes. But he’s still playing. He’s still happy. And he’s still 9.

Saying no didn’t set us back. It gave us room to breathe. It gave me the freedom to enjoy being on the sidelines, rather than rushing to get there.

When quitting a sport was the right call 

My older one quit soccer when he was 6. The coach was way too intense, treating first-graders like they were trying out for college teams. He hated it. 

We made him finish the season (we value follow-through), but we never signed him up again.

It wasn’t just the coach. He realised the sport itself wasn’t for him. Too aggressive, too fast-paced. He’s much happier in individual sports like tennis, swimming or even baseball, games with space to think, focus, and breathe.

Perseverance matters. But it only sticks when there’s joy underneath it.

The best sports for kids, and how to find the right one for your child. READ here!  

The ultimate lazy-parent play hack

Here’s something that’s saved me so many times: I just text a bunch of moms and ask, “Who’s free this afternoon?”

A few kids come over. They play. They run. They wrestle. I get 30 quiet minutes to myself.

The only rule? No screens. I always coordinate that beforehand, otherwise one kid shows up with an iPad, and suddenly everyone’s watching Youtube instead of moving.

Sometimes, getting kids active just means stepping back and letting them be.

What I tell every tired parent 

Start by not signing up for anything.

That’s usually where the burnout begins. Organised sports come with costs, gear, calendars, and pressure. You spend $500, you feel locked in, even if your kid hates it by week three.

Instead, go outside. Toss a ball. Kick it around. Your six-year-old doesn’t care if you’re good; they care about having fun. Eventually, they’ll tell you what they love. And that’s your signal to explore it deeper.

Also, be wary when a coach says, “Your kid is talented, you should upgrade.” A lot of youth programs are just businesses. They say that to every parent.

Your kid’s joy is not for sale.

That’s all for today’s issue, parents! 💗

Inside the Laid-back Parent’s Internet History this week: 

Note for My Fellow Laid-Back Parents 📧 

If you’ve ever looked at another parent’s packed schedule and thought, “I can’t do all that…” —same.

This is your reminder that you don’t have to. You don’t need a perfect plan. You don’t need five practices a week. What your child needs most is you, present, patient, and willing to try again tomorrow. 

That’s more than enough.

Until next time,
Lakshmi 💛