As summer days begin to shorten and school approaches, I’ve noticed my 11-year-old son, Max, growing increasingly downcast. After stepping off the bus on the final day of summer camp, he realized that the carefree days of summer were coming to an end. Like many children, he eagerly anticipates summer—the ultimate season of fun, devoid of homework and strict bedtimes. The thought of waiting over 250 days for the next summer break was almost too much for him to handle.
Just when I wondered when I would see his joyful smile again, he heard that familiar tune. The mere opening notes of the football theme song sparked a twinkle in his eye. For countless fans, this marks the highlight of September, encapsulated in six simple words: Are you ready for some football?
Indeed, the arrival of fall brings a mix of homework and tests, but it also ushers in tackles and touchdowns. Summer attire is stowed away, making room for jerseys. The latest Madden NFL 16 for Xbox is now available at GameStop and other reputable retailers. Five days of school are a small price to pay for a Sunday filled with games, along with Monday and Thursday night matchups and college games on Saturdays.
Reflecting on my childhood, my father was an avid football enthusiast. Each week, he would place bets with his friend Greg, meticulously analyzing the sports section of the New York Daily News to assess game stats and point spreads. Sundays were spent in front of the television, alongside my two brothers, as they shouted and celebrated every play. If the game didn’t go their way, it cast a shadow over the evening. I never quite grasped the allure of the sport; it seemed like a waste of time—and a rather brutal one at that.
After marriage, my husband, Tom, enjoyed football, albeit without the fervor my father exhibited. He would watch games but was open to making weekend plans unless it was a significant matchup. This dynamic persisted even after we welcomed our two daughters and later, our son. Initially, our parenting strategy involved dividing weekend duties: Tom took on sports obligations and social events for the girls, while he stayed home with the baby on Sundays. I often found him on the couch, “watching” the baby while clutching a remote in one hand and a monitor in the other. As our son grew into a toddler, he joined his dad on the couch, mainly to sneak snacks without my supervision.
When Max turned 7, his morning routine shifted from Nickelodeon to ESPN. Just like my father, he began obsessively tracking stats and scores. With the help of modern technology, he consumed sports news around the clock, even persuading Tom to subscribe to NFL RedZone to catch every game simultaneously.
In 2009, he developed a passion for the Jets, experiencing one of their rare good seasons. Our friend, a lifelong Jets supporter, warned him that this was not the “true” Jets experience, and that disappointment would be part of the journey. And indeed, it has been. There have been tearful Sundays and tough Monday mornings surrounded by Giants fans. Now, at age 11, he has found solace in fantasy football, managing three teams to cushion the blows of reality.
Amidst all this sports content, I’ve absorbed a surprising amount about a game I once dismissed. Recently, during a conversation with my father, he expressed disbelief at my newfound interest in sports, given my past views. I clarified that I’m not necessarily a sports fan, but a supporter of my son. If starting each day by checking scores helps me bond with him—and figure out which jerseys he’ll wear to school—then I’m all in.
Watching football with Max has also presented valuable teaching moments. The professional sports world is rife with inspiring tales of perseverance. The last-minute victory of the Patriots in the previous Super Bowl is a prime example of never giving up. On the flip side, sports also present controversies and issues I wish he were not exposed to at his age. My husband and I have made it a point to engage in discussions about sportsmanship, cheating, and ethics, fostering important conversations as he enters his teenage years.
So, am I ready for football season? Absolutely! I have the chips, salsa, and a box of tissues at the ready. If you’re interested in learning more about home insemination options, check out this informative post.
In summary, the return of football season not only rekindles childhood memories but also provides an opportunity for connection and valuable lessons with my son. Engaging in sports discussions has enriched our relationship while navigating both the joys and challenges of growing up.