It’s this time of year when social calendars are filled with end-of-school-year activities, retirement parties, and graduation celebrations–and, is it me, but couldn’t Grandma have picked a more convenient time of year to turn 90. 

As if that isn’t enough, youth sports seasons are winding down, which typically means more games being played because of rainouts. Add to the list of end-of-year parties, and if you’re lucky enough, playoffs and all-star games.

It’s hard enough for us parents to prioritize our own activities, imagine your 8-year-old daughter trying to figure out whether or not Saturday’s soccer game is more important than her best friend’s birthday party.

Sometimes parents aren’t willing to let kids choose, arguing: “I paid good money for you to play soccer and you’re playing. You can go to a party anytime.” 

Is Grandma’s birthday party more important than a playoff game? What about a colleague’s retirement party versus watching your child play? Should a neighbor’s graduation party take precedence over a weekday practice?   

My point in all this is simple: Realize now there will be conflicts coming up during the next few weeks, and try to decide how you are going to handle them before the day of the conflicting activities.

All the things I mentioned that could become conflicts are fun events, and it’s a shame you can’t make all of them. But you can’t. Accept that now, and make sure your kids understand, so you can all smile when Grandma blows out the candles … even if you’d much rather be at a game.

Jon Buzby has been involved in and writing about youth sports for the past 30 years with perspectives as a parent, coach and board member. Jon is an award-winning writer and his latest book, “Coaching Kids Made Easier,” is available on Amazon. Send comments or future blog topics you'd like to see to JonBuzby@hotmail.com and follow him @YouthSportsBuzz on Twitter.