
The phrase "I need a wife" has long been used to describe the longing for someone to manage the life admin, chores, and behind-the-scenes work of daily life.
While I understand the sentiment, it’s a term loaded with outdated gender norms. The idea of needing a “wife” feels heavy, and frankly, it’s time to rethink that concept.
And then, I found the answer.
It came to me while watching tennis—specifically, the incredible ball kids at the Australian Open. These kids, typically between 12 and 15 years old, are the unsung heroes of the tennis court. Their precision, teamwork, and efficiency blew me away.
As I sat there mesmerised, it struck me: we don’t need a “wife.” What we need are ball kids.
What Makes Ball Kids So Inspiring?
For those who haven’t tuned into a tennis match recently, let me paint the picture. Ball kids are tasked with managing every small but crucial detail during a match. They retrieve stray balls, hand players their towels, and return items to their designated places—all with speed and grace.
What stood out most to me was their systemised approach. Everything they handled was placed back exactly where it belonged. The folding of the towels? Perfection. The seamless communication between them? Impressive. Watching them made me think, this is what life admin should look like.
It’s not about age or status—it’s about having the right mindset, tools, and systems in place to keep things running smoothly. And the best part? We can all learn to channel our inner ball kid.
Becoming Your Own Ball Kid
Reflecting on my work as a time management coach, I realise that my role often mirrors the ethos of a ball kid. When I’m helping a client streamline their schedule, declutter their tasks, or organise their priorities, I’m essentially doing what those kids do on the court: identifying what’s needed, ensuring it’s in the right place, and creating a smooth flow to keep everything running effortlessly.
The beauty of ball kid skills is that they’re not reserved for tennis courts—you can develop them too. It’s about creating systems that help you streamline your schedule, declutter your tasks, and organise your priorities to keep life flowing effortlessly.
Here’s how you can get started:
1. Give Every Task a Time
Ball kids know that every towel, ball, and water bottle has a specific spot. Apply this principle to your own tasks by assigning a designated time for everything—whether it’s researching the best insurance deal, dedicating time to a hobby, or simply carving out moments for relaxation.
2. Declutter Your To-Do List
On the court, ball kids focus on what’s needed now, not on everything all at once. Bring this mindset to your task list by identifying what truly matters and letting go of unnecessary commitments. Break larger tasks into smaller, actionable steps to make progress feel manageable and rewarding.
3. Organise Your Priorities
Just as ball kids keep the court running smoothly by anticipating what comes next, you can bring order to your priorities. Start by categorising tasks—what’s urgent, what’s important, and what can wait. Use tools like a planner or app to keep these priorities visible and actionable.
4. Build Systems That Work for You
What makes ball kids so effective is their reliance on simple, consistent systems. In your own life, focus on creating workflows that align with your goals and preferences. It’s not about perfection—it’s about consistency and finding routines that make sense for your unique needs.
The Australian Open is On Now
If you’re feeling curious about what I mean, now is the perfect time to tune in! The Australian Open is currently happening in Melbourne, and it’s a great opportunity to witness these ball kids in action. Their precision, dedication, and teamwork are truly something to behold. Even if you’re not a tennis fan, you’ll come away inspired by the skills they bring to the court—and how those skills translate to life and organisation.
The Takeaway
Watching the ball kids in action made me realise that we often outsource or romanticise the idea of life admin as something someone else (like a mythical “wife”) should handle. The truth is, most of us have the potential to develop these skills—or at least adapt systems that work for our unique circumstances. Whether you’re navigating a packed schedule, managing chronic health challenges, or working with neurodiverse needs, it’s about finding approaches that support your goals and make life feel more manageable.
If you feel overwhelmed by life admin, take inspiration from the ball kids: start small, build systems, and keep things moving. And if you need a little extra help? Well, I’m happy to step in as your metaphorical ball kid to get the ball rolling.
So, the next time you’re watching tennis, take a moment to appreciate the ball kids and their incredible skill set. Who knows? You might just walk away inspired to bring a little of that magic into your own life.
Here’s to less stress, more supportive systems, and finding joy in the art of organisation—whether you’re on the court or at home.
Enjoy the game!
