My husband and I started dating a few months before the infamous Super Bowl of 2006. I’ll never forget that day I don’t remember details of the game to be honest or even what commercials premiered (typically my favorite part). I do remember this, my husband cried a little that day. Actual tears. I recall not really knowing what to do in that moment. Considering my passion for football is about the same as his passion for shoe shopping, I decided I was not the person he needed right then. I instead allowed him and his friends to get through that moment together. Tears and all.
Okay, I am about to state the obvious…
My husband loves football.
Many things have changed in the nearly nine years since that day. Marriage, home ownership and two kids, just to name a few. Every year right around August, I know it’s coming. Our typically very routine life will have a small wrench thrown into it as we prepare for football season.
Here are five ways you can help yourself this season (Men, read this too!)
1) Compromise, but that must include him still watching the game. I do not want to be “the wife” that tells my husband what he can and cannot do. Ok, on certain days I do! But, the rule I have on this topic is that I will support him watching the game. However, that may mean he watches games at home while also watching one of our small children (they are 1 and 4). Lucky for him our youngest still takes long naps. Parents of two or more, you know how it feels like a break to only tote one of your kids somewhere? That’s exactly what I strive for on those Sundays.
2) Watch with him. Sometimes I am genuinely interested in watching a game. Some of you want to watch every game, and that option should not be off the table. If there is one thing we succeed in as parents, it’s multi tasking. My husband can change a diaper and build a fort during a commercial break like nobody’s business. Score!
3) Take some “me time” during the week in anticipation of the game. Foresee that Sunday might be stressful? Get that manicure or errand done mid-week. Or better yet, send him on some errands. Maybe your husband grocery shops on Saturday morning so you have one less thing to do.
4) Fantasy Football. No, it’s not fake football. Yes, I really used to think this. One way to be less annoyed at your grown husband’s passion for something that takes up 17 weeks out of the year is to get involved in it. The games are much more interesting when you have a reason like money or bragging rights on the line.
5) Pre-plan game watching. Will he be watching from home? A bar? At the stadium? I do not like to be surprised. Especially on a Sunday morning when we already have a million things going on. I am much more likely to be supportive of my husband being gone for an afternoon if I know ahead of time.
The 2006 Super Bowl was my warning of what I was likely getting into when it came to Tyler and football. Four months a year, every year, our family shifts into the season. As our kids get older, we hope that the kids will be passionate about the sport as well. Wouldn’t that be ideal?! I will report back in several years from now when my kids are at least of the age to pay attention to anything for more than three seconds.
Tell us about your family during football season! Do you all watch together? Is there pre-planned compromise? I’d love to get tips from our readers out there!
