Football Fun with a Little One!

Have you ever tried to actually watch a football game with a little one around...or even better... little ones around? It is near impossible. Unfortunately, when our men zone into the games, it seems we, mamas, become the ones that are responsible for the kiddos. So, slowly, I have tried anything and everything to make it more fun for all...and, of course, I've stolen any wonderful ideas that friends have done! Here's some ideas:

1. This is the simplest and my favorite...and it works really well. Place a small tv on the floor (make sure you don't put it somewhere where a little one can pull on it and will fall on them) and have them a dvd going. They can feel like they are watching football with the big people, but when their attention starts waning, they can zone back into their own shows.

2. Make it a party. The littlest things make it a party...and make it really exciting. Put out snacks with a football theme in mind. My husband and his 'man' friends enjoy these as much as the little ones. (ex. sweets in the shapes of footballs, cheese ball in a football shape, etc.)

3. Have "accessories" that are just for football games. These are special fun bowls or silly straws or chopsticks, etc.

4. Break the little rules. We lay a blanket on the floor in the living room and eat in there. It's kinda like a picnic inside and makes them super excited!

5. Make it a game. This one is kind of a twist on the old baby shower game. Pass out necklaces (cheap beaded ones! the dollar store usually has a pack for a dollar) and list 3 words that you can't say...ex. football, go, and run. When someone says (or yells at the tv in our house) and they get caught, whoever caught them gets the necklace. The person with the most necklaces at the end of the game wins. (bragging rights, a pack of m&ms, etc.) By the way, the kids always win! The crazy guys yelling at the tv never do, and they even try to trick the little ones to get their necklaces back!

6. Have two jars with each of the teams mascots on the front or labeled with team names...when one of the teams score, have a little one put a marble or something (bigger items work better visually for little ones) in that team's jar. This even helps me remember who is winning when I'm not into it! It makes the kiddos get involved waiting for touchdowns!

7. Do a touchdown dance! My LaLa and her Daddy have this down to a fine art!

8. If you look back on one of my older posts, I wrote about the wonderful value of a box and little ones! We had this box in our living room for football, and the kids were so busy coloring the box and making a fort that they were completely occupied! So, something as odd and creative and CHEAP as a big box can be a great addition to football fun!

9. Get the family decked out in their favorite team or favorite team colors! My LaLa has to have her Bulldog BOW when it's Georgia playing. Check out ebay or find a friend that might pass one down to your kids or find a cute jersey or cheerleading outfit (these are especially cheap at the end of the season...so think ahead and buy for next year).

10. It takes a little more work, but have a box of "crafty" stuff that you bring out just during the game. Water colors are something that we don't do often around here and it keeps mine pretty busy. I only pull it out when I need them focused and busy on something else. Or, you know that big roll of craft paper (3.99 at Michaels)? I roll it out across the kitchen floor and let them have at it with crayons, markers, etc. Even my Little Bit can manage coloring on it, and the kids seem to get really creative with it. This is great if you have multiple kids and multiple ages...and it's great to have out if you are having friends over to watch the game!

11. Have something you pull out that makes it seem festive...for example, the dollar store always has those megaphones that would be fun to use or decorate, small footballs, clappers, a whistle (not so brave enough for this one with my 3 year old and all of her air to blow), flags, etc. Think cheap and creative and stock up secretly when you see them around.

12. One more and most importantly...make the little ones feel a part of the game and its activities. Then, it will end up being a fun, family tradition that you can do year after year...and not pull your hair out!

Mama Drama Rule # 44: Make everyone from the littlest to the biggest feel a part of the family fun...regardless if it's a holiday or football or moving. IF they feel like it's special and they're a part of the big people fun, they will enjoy it and be a lot more acceptable of the event!