Tips on dragging the young ones to the footy

[mjp]

Re: Tips on dragging the young ones to the footy

Heres the plan..

Colouring books
Iphone games
Interesting Toys(maybe even something new saved for 3rd qtr)
Food food food, a treat per goal (bloody love this idea on so many levels ML!!!)
Walk around the stadium at qtr time
Playground at half time

Plan B - marcov watches the last part of the game by himself while the missus goes shopping (costly!), there is a game centre there too

Plan C - Phenergan!!!

All fine...as long as you understand that there will be some days that are better than others you will be fine. Taking the kids is fun but most like the idea of going rather than the actual event...and when everyone walks off at half-time they can think it is their cue to leave (which makes them happy).

Food during quarters will be painful - you will be messing around with getting it out, unwrapping, spillages, cleaning up...best bet is to focus on the games/movies (take a mini-dvd player (don't forget the headphones)) for the quarters with the food promised at breaks.

I would also avoid the walking thing...once you start, it can be hard to shut that switch off and they get happy feet for the rest of the day.

Number 1? Pray that you are seated amongst understanding people who don't mind a two-minute chat with a little one...2 minutes making eyes at the person in the seat behind beats a computer game for most kids.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Tips on dragging the young ones to the footy

All fine...as long as you understand that there will be some days that are better than others you will be fine. Taking the kids is fun but most like the idea of going rather than the actual event...and when everyone walks off at half-time they can think it is their cue to leave (which makes them happy).

Food during quarters will be painful - you will be messing around with getting it out, unwrapping, spillages, cleaning up...best bet is to focus on the games/movies (take a mini-dvd player (don't forget the headphones)) for the quarters with the food promised at breaks.

I would also avoid the walking thing...once you start, it can be hard to shut that switch off and they get happy feet for the rest of the day.

Number 1? Pray that you are seated amongst understanding people who don't mind a two-minute chat with a little one...2 minutes making eyes at the person in the seat behind beats a computer game for most kids.

I dont think its that drastic mate, worse case scenario is we pack up and leave. Its not the end of the world, I record the games anyway. Kids eat like they are drunk at the best of times, spillages are expected. The DVD player is a good idea, she is fixated on Dora at the moment, that could buy 2 separate half hours...

[LostDoggy]

Re: Tips on dragging the young ones to the footy

LOL MJP - My 7 year old still thinks its more interesting to turn around and look at everyone else and see what they are all eating, doing etc. Portable DVD player is an excellent idea - keep they occupied for awhile. I think all bases are covered - we want a report on how it goes.....

[Desipura]

Re: Tips on dragging the young ones to the footy

I forgot to mention there is a play centre accross the road from the ground, about 5 minute walk (Circular Quay) where all the shops are, its called monkey mania.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Tips on dragging the young ones to the footy

Nice Desipura, the girls love the play cafes over here. They usually do a great coffee too!

[LostDoggy]

Re: Tips on dragging the young ones to the footy

I forgot to mention there is a play centre accross the road from the ground, about 5 minute walk (Circular Quay) where all the shops are, its called monkey mania.

Harbour Town actually, there may be one in Circular Quay but its a bit too far to walk from docklands

[mjp]

Re: Tips on dragging the young ones to the footy

I dont think its that drastic mate, worse case scenario is we pack up and leave. Its not the end of the world, I record the games anyway. Kids eat like they are drunk at the best of times, spillages are expected.

Yep...all of my kids (I have 3) have been dragged along from as young as 9 days old.

I know what you are saying with the 'they are going to make a mess' comment, but it is not the cleaning up that is the problem - it is the footy you miss when you are cleaning up that is the problem!

One other tip - for big crowds and whenever the roof is closed at Etihad, take some ear plugs for them. The sudden roar of the crowd can scare them witless.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Tips on dragging the young ones to the footy

Yep...all of my kids (I have 3) have been dragged along from as young as 9 days old.

I know what you are saying with the 'they are going to make a mess' comment, but it is not the cleaning up that is the problem - it is the footy you miss when you are cleaning up that is the problem!

One other tip - for big crowds and whenever the roof is closed at Etihad, take some ear plugs for them. The sudden roar of the crowd can scare them witless.

Ah ok, I hadnt thought of about the cheering I might have to get them warmed up... The cheers might just coincide with an M&M positive reinforcement..

I dont mind missing some footy, I will re-watch the game, its just so awesome being at a dogs home game for me, its an atmosphere and a feeling that you dont get in Adelaide. I havent had much luck recently, last year I came over for round one and the year before was against Carlton. Although, I think 2008 was when we beat Melbourne by 25 goals or so at the G.

[Desipura]

Re: Tips on dragging the young ones to the footy

Harbour Town actually, there may be one in Circular Quay but its a bit too far to walk from docklands

Correction harbourtown

[The Adelaide Connection]

Re: Tips on dragging the young ones to the footy

Ah ok, I hadnt thought of about the cheering I might have to get them warmed up... The cheers might just coincide with an M&M positive reinforcement..

I dont mind missing some footy, I will re-watch the game, its just so awesome being at a dogs home game for me, its an atmosphere and a feeling that you dont get in Adelaide. I havent had much luck recently, last year I came over for round one and the year before was against Carlton. Although, I think 2008 was when we beat Melbourne by 25 goals or so at the G.

Yep, I remember the pain of the plane ride home after those two games (especially the Carlton game when I was in a world of hangover pain anyways). I was able to get over for quite a few more games though which softened the blow a bit.

You sound set re: the 2 year old. I would really recommend you add the pregame tire out session though. Hopefully she will drop like a fly before she hits the 'super restless/bored' phase.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Tips on dragging the young ones to the footy

Yep, I remember the pain of the plane ride home after those two games (especially the Carlton game when I was in a world of hangover pain anyways). I was able to get over for quite a few more games though which softened the blow a bit.

You sound set re: the 2 year old. I would really recommend you add the pregame tire out session though. Hopefully she will drop like a fly before she hits the 'super restless/bored' phase.

Cheers mate, that Carlton game was an angry drunk affair, we barely raised a yelp in a game we should have dominated. Those carlton supporters really got to me that day.

[Remi Moses]

Re: Tips on dragging the young ones to the footy

Ive brought my 2yo once or twice. i watched about about 15 minutes of the total game.

best idea, bring someone who isn't interested in the game and will offer to take them for a walk around the stadium

Bingo! Coloring books, relo with no ties to the competing clubs. Took my then 3 y/o last year to the Norf game and Freo games (freaked out a little at the chant "ball"). About the only thing I stressed about in those games was keeping her occupied.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Tips on dragging the young ones to the footy

Sit them with your Mrs.

Watch the footy from the bar.

[cinder]

Re: Tips on dragging the young ones to the footy

Our little man turns 2 in May, I'm itching to take him along but I just know it's not a good idea til he's a bit older! Unless I fancy running after him every 2 seconds. He'll be obsessed with the stairs and I'll be paranoid he's going to fall down them, lol.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Tips on dragging the young ones to the footy

My kids all loved it. The key? Let them do what they want. If they want to run around and not watch the game, let them do it, let them scream their heads off and play, kids love that as usually they get told to sit down and shut up at home, so the footy can be a great release for them. Get them chanting, singing footy songs, etc.

In the Cheer Squad it's a bit easier, give them a flag and they love it.

Etihad is great for kids, has parents' rooms and the like, much better facilities than the 'G or elsewhere.