Hut, Hut, But...

Tackling Football with Your Toddler

By I.J. Schecter

New dads are often told that the biggest change in their lives will involve sleep deprivation, household chaos or the sudden absence of sex. While each of these issues is important, none affect the new dad as profoundly as the realization that he can no longer assume his spot on the couch every Sunday morning for the NFL pre-game and stay there until the highlight show concludes eight hours later.

But take heart. As with so many parenting issues, what may seem like an irreversible lifestyle shift can be turned into rich experiences by creatively integrating new circumstances into established routines. As pigskin season looms, I offer some tips on how to be a great dad while still knowing who beat the spread.

If you truly consider Sunday football your oxygen and want to be able to watch uninterrupted and unbothered, you can always simply ask your partner if she'd mind you having that time to yourself away from everyone, kids included. Understand that, though this is a simple option, it isn't the one I recommend. If you do decide to go this route, it's important to recognize two things. First, the request is a bold one, to put it lightly. Second, you'd better be prepared to offer something in return, like all-day Saturday caregiving while she goes for a manicure or pedicure.

If you thought taking in an NFL game was enjoyable before, try it with your toddler stretched out across you. Instead of making football watching private Daddy time, turn it into special time just for you and your little one. Remember to make your child an active participant in the game rather than a passive recipient of your comments. Try to play simple guessing games as a way of teaching. Predict whether the guy with the ball is going to run with it or throw it to someone else. Guess which numbers will be on the scoreboard next time it's shown.

Your goal isn't to drill your 3-year-old with facts and figures but to make him feel like his opinion counts. Instead of asking, "Do you think they should use the nickel package here?" ask, "Do you think that guy is going to run to the left side or the right side?" Either way, your toddler will be happy. If he's right, he'll be amazed at his own foresight; if he's wrong, he'll be delighted at the surprise.

Want to see more?

• Football Dad: Balancing Football Season and Fatherhood
• How Baseball Can Help You Become a Better Dad
• Going the Full Nine
• Talk about it!