I know, I know…allowing kids into the Man Cave during football is a major faux pas. Actually, using the term ‘faux pas’ in the same sentence as football is ridiculous. Anyway, the Super Bowl is coming up this weekend and it’s important to make it a Super Bowl for kids too. Let me first put a disclaimer out there:
If your team is playing in the Super Bowl, disregard EVERYTHING in this article, run to your man cave, lock the door behind you, and drink and cuss to your heart’s content (I may actually have direct experience here)
Now, back to the story. If you’ve let the little ones come into the Man Cave, there are ways to make the experience enjoyable for all involved.
1. Make it an event – a big deal
Yes, it is the Super Bowl. It’s named that for a reason. It’s only the largest, most watched sporting event in America. So, make it like that. Get the kids excited about the game. Talk about it during the days leading up to the game. Talk about it the night before. “Tomorrow’s the Super Bowl”. But, don’t get caught up in the non-stop coverage the day of the game. I believe they start at 7am and go strong all the way to kick-off. Talk about overdosing on coverage. Avoid most of it during the day and tune in closer to kick-off.
2. Time for a commercial break…
Yes, many people watch the Super Bowl JUST for the commercials. Get the kids excited about the commercials too. Let them know that ad agencies work for months getting the perfect ad to drop on millions of viewers. Explain to them how the Coke guy doesn’t like the Pepsi guy. Have them track their favorites and at the end of the game figure out which one you thought ‘won’. Then, go online and add your vote. Many websites will have polls for the best ad.
3. Pick a team, and stick wit’ em
Have them pick their team from the beginning. It makes it much more fun if you invest your feelings into one team or the other. Even if they pick the team just because their jerseys look better, let them do it and let them cheer them on as much as they want. Oh, you can engage in a little bit of trash talk too (but more on that later).
4. Tune in for the halftime show
Ever since Janet Jackson wanted to cool off on stage, the halftime shows have kind of…well…stunk. A lot of times they roll out really old stars that are too old to be controversial. They are safe. But, once in awhile they’ll pull out someone that is younger and more entertaining that your kids might like. Have them tune in and enjoy the halftime fireworks as well. Talk about the crazy dancers running around the field for some unknown reason. Beyonce this year…I think I’ll watch. Check out her contest here.
5. Keep it lighthearted
I mentioned picking a team, and mentioned talking a little bit of trash during the game. But, if their ‘team’ is getting their butts handed to them, you might not wanna jump up and get in their face and scream how sorry their team is and how their pretty little uniforms should include dresses. One thing you don’t want on Super Bowl Sunday is a crying kid running to Mommy telling how mean Daddy is. It’s really not that serious.
So there you have it. Open the door to the cave and let them in. Enjoy the game…make it an event. Have fun with it and enjoy the bonding time with your kids. Oh, one other tip I’ll go ahead and throw in there…don’t drink too much beer. Nothing is more embarrassing than passing out in front of your kids in the 3rd quarter.
p.s. I’m a Steeler fan, so they will be invited in this year. Happy to have them, yet not happy to have them for obvious reasons.
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