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Are You Prepared for Some Football?
By Jenna Thompson
Updated: July 12, 2021
Originally Published: September 3, 2015
As the days grew shorter and the mornings darker this past month, my 11-year-old son, Lucas, began to feel the weight of the impending school year. The last day of summer camp brought a wave of sadness as he realized that summer—the ultimate childhood paradise filled with fun and freedom—was drawing to a close. The thought of waiting over 250 days until summer returned was almost unbearable.
I worried about when I would see that cheerful grin again, but then something magical happened. The familiar notes of a football theme song filled the air, and suddenly, Lucas’ face lit up. He told me that the opening bars gave him goosebumps. For many, September shines brightly with the excitement of football season, encapsulated in just six words: Are you ready for some football?
Sure, the fall brings its share of homework and tests, but it also ushers in thrilling tackles and spectacular touchdowns. The swimsuits get tucked away as jerseys take their place in the closet. The latest Madden NFL 16 for Xbox is now available at retailers like GameStop. Five days of school are well worth it for a Sunday full of games, not to mention the thrill of Monday and Thursday night matchups and college games on Saturdays.
As a child, my father was an avid football fan who would place bets with his buddy, Mike, each week. He would eagerly pore over the sports section of the New York Daily News, analyzing games and point spreads. Sundays were a whirlwind of excitement as he, along with my two brothers, screamed at the TV, their moods swinging with every play. I never quite grasped the appeal of the game and often found it a frivolous waste of time.
When I got married, my husband, Tom, enjoyed football, but his enthusiasm was more subdued compared to my dad’s fervor. He liked to watch, but unless it was a significant game, he didn’t reserve Sundays solely for football. This dynamic continued even after the arrival of our daughters. Then Lucas came along.
Initially, we adopted a smart parenting strategy, juggling our three kids on weekends. Saturdays were Tom’s time to tackle the girls’ sports and birthday parties, while Sundays became his day to bond with our baby. I’d often discover him on the couch “watching” Lucas, remote in one hand and baby monitor in the other. As Lucas grew into a toddler, he joined his dad on the couch, primarily to sneak chips without my supervision.
By the time Lucas was 7, ESPN replaced Nickelodeon in his morning routine. Much like my dad, he delved into stats and scores, but the intensity had ramped up with technology allowing him to consume sports around the clock. He begged Tom to subscribe to NFL RedZone, eager to catch every game simultaneously.
In 2009, he fell head over heels for the Jets—one of the rare seasons they made it to the playoffs. A family friend, a lifelong Jets supporter, warned him that being a Jets fan often meant disappointment. And he learned this lesson well, experiencing tearful Sunday nights and tough bus rides on Mondays surrounded by Giants fans. However, at age 11, he discovered the joy of fantasy football, which softened the blows of his team’s losses (hence why he now manages three fantasy teams).
Through all this sports chatter, I’ve been surprised by how much I’ve learned about a sport I once dismissed. Recently, I shared a football conversation with my dad, who couldn’t fathom how I became interested in sports after finding them trivial. I explained that while I’m not a sports enthusiast, I cherish my time with my son. If checking scores first thing in the morning helps us connect (and decide which jerseys he’ll wear to school), I’m all in.
Watching ESPN with Lucas has also opened doors for teaching valuable life lessons. The realm of professional sports is brimming with stories of resilience and courage. For instance, the Patriots’ last-minute Super Bowl victory exemplified the importance of perseverance. Conversely, the controversies surrounding football have sparked discussions on bad sportsmanship, cheating, and drug use—topics that, while uncomfortable, have proven to be excellent teaching moments. I appreciate how our shared love of football helps strengthen our bond, especially as he nears his teenage years.
So, am I ready for football season? Absolutely! I’ve got the chips, salsa, and a box of tissues at the ready!
For more parenting insights and tips, check out our other posts, like the one on creating your very own at-home insemination kit. You can also explore fertility boosters for men to enhance your journey. If you’re looking for comprehensive information on pregnancy, the CDC provides excellent resources.
Summary:
As the school year approaches, the joy of football season brings a renewed connection between a mother and her son. Through the lens of football, life lessons emerge, and family bonds strengthen, showcasing the surprising ways shared interests can enhance relationships.
Keyphrase: Football season parenting
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