Before I became a mom, I watched football every Sunday. When I say that, I mean I actually WATCHED the game. I knew what “first and ten” meant and what a “blitz” was. But somehow over the last six years, (along with my ability to remember why I walked into the room) my knowledge of the game has faded. My Sundays on the couch with nachos and beer have all but disappeared. But my love for the game and for the New England Patriots has not. So just like millions of other Pats fans, I am psyched our team is going to the Super Bowl (AGAIN! Woohoo!)
Whether you’ll be watching for the sport, for the commercials, or just to see Justin Timberlake’s half-time performance (will there be an N-Sync reunion? a wardrobe malfunction?), entertaining the kids while the game is on can be difficult, especially if they’re younger and aren’t really interested. Here are a few ideas for making it a family affair:
PREP
It doesn’t matter if you’re having a party or planning to watch quietly at home; kids love to play host and decorating has a big part in that. Start preparing Sunday morning and get them excited for the game. Buy some balloons or make some signs cheering on your favorite team or players (G.O.A.T!) Cut some footballs out of brown construction paper and have the kids decorate them and hang them up. Or if you’re having people over, write your guests’ names on them and use safety pins to make football “name tags.”
FOOD
Kids love to snack, so when setting up your Super Bowl buffet, keep them in mind. Know what your kids like and be sure to include those options. This will keep you from having to make “dinner” in the third quarter because they “don’t like nachos and buffalo wings. Waaaah.” In our house, mozzarella sticks, pigs in a blanket, and chicken nuggets go a long way, as do grilled cheese bites ,which are really just grilled cheese sandwiches cut up into tiny pieces. (Shhh!) Throw in some avocado or bacon, and the adults will go for these as well. On the sweet side, football-themed chocolate pudding cups are a simple, fun dessert. Red, white, and blue Rice Krispie treats (go Pats!) are another fun addition to the menu. (Recipe courtesy of TwoSistersCrafting.com.)
DRINKS
Let’s be honest: for the adults, drinks are easy. Super Bowl parties mean beer, soda; anything served in a can. But what about the kiddos? Juice boxes are quick but not overly exciting. Thankfully you live in Patriots country (you lucky dog!) so you can hit up Pinterest for Fourth of July drink ideas and they’ll fit your theme. Try a Patriotic Punch! This simple recipe from MomEndeavors.com can be served from a spouted beverage dispenser with Twizzlers and/or cherries on the side. Your kids will go ballistic! And they’ll be able to help to themselves, which will keep you from having to get up every 20 minutes.
FUN AND GAMES
After you’ve fed and sugared up the little ones, you may want to give them something to focus their energy on. There are SO many ideas online. For the artsy kids, set up a table in the living room and print off some free football coloring pages. Yescoloring.com has tons! Or put out a simple craft (check out the adorable paper plate helmets pictured below.) They’ll feel like part of the action while being blissfully distracted. You can also print off Super Bowl bingo cards and everyone can play along. Fill a bucket with candy or trinkets from the dollar store and each time someone shouts “bingo!” give them a prize. During half-time, play pin the football for a field goal.
All of this may seem like a lot of work. But if you really want to watch the game, the better entertained your kids are, the better your chances will be of not missing the “craziest catch ever!” Plus, if you start now, maybe they’ll become fans and someday sit alongside you and watch intently without the need for any of the above. Of course, if none of these ideas work for you, you can always throw them in the basement with a movie. Your choice! Either way, enjoy the game. And enjoy watching Brady and the boys go for number six! Remember, they hate us cuz they ain’t us! GO PATS!
