Millions of people will tune in to see the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Kansas City Chiefs in one of, if not, the biggest sporting events of the year on Sunday, Feb. 9.
What was once just a championship game for the National Football League has now become a must-watch spectacle fueled by stars and celebrities, a massive halftime show production, and the most expensive commercials you’ll ever see on television. The Super Bowl also provides a great opportunity to bring families and friends together for football, food, and fun. Last year, CBS even had a special broadcast on Nickelodeon that was specifically tailored to kids. With FOX broadcasting this year's game, there is no alternative available. If you're planning to watch the game with your children, here’s a guide to making it a family-friendly and enjoyable experience.
Super Bowl Xs & Os
If you are a football fan, the Super Bowl is a great opportunity to teach your children about the game. While the strategies and plays of football can become complicated, the premise of the game is simple. You would be surprised by the impact you can have on your kids by taking the time to explain the game to them. I remember my Dad sitting in the rocking chair in his room with a bag of chips, watching the Eagles and Falcons play in the 2005 NFC Championship. It’s the first time I can really remember my Dad watching a football game. What is unique about it, is that he isn’t a football fan. Despite that, he was teaching me the game. Little did he know, I would grow up to be obsessed with the sport.
Encourage your children to ask questions and help them learn the game you love. Maybe the question is as simple as “What does the yellow line mean?” or as complicated as, “Since the defense gave a pressure look, but rotated into a disguised Tampa 2 coverage at the snap, how should the quarterback have adjusted his protection calls and progressions to account for the delayed blitz from the Mike linebacker?" Simple or complicated, your child will enjoy the game more if they are aware of what’s going on. Use the game to your advantage, who knows, you may have a football-watching partner next season and develop the next generations of fans for your favorite team.
Call an Audible
Maybe your kids could absolutely care less about the game, that’s perfectly fine, too. Forcing the kids to watch something they’re not interested in is not fun for anyone. They won’t enjoy it, and it's only a matter of time until they negatively affect your time, too. If you are at a party with other families, let them just go and have fun with the other kids. Maybe have a football-themed craft or coloring pages available. No matter what, if your kids don’t want to watch, don’t make them.
Take a time out
As a New England Patriots fan, I don’t think I’ve had such a visceral reaction to Malcom Butler’s game sealing interception in Super Bowl XLIX. I instantly jumped up from the coach shouting. I think that is one of the fun parts about watching sports with others; that visceral crowd reaction. While celebrating and clapping is perfectly fine, it's important to ensure that you are setting an example for your kids.
Use the game as a way to show your kids how to manage heightened emotions, especially in something that you have zero control over. Whether your team suffers a crushing defeat or you come a half-yard from hitting a ten-leg parlay, handle it with grace. Watching your mouth should also be a main priority. Little kids are like sponges. It can take weeks to get your two-year-old to stop saying a bad word you uttered during the game. Ask me how I know…
Super Bowl snack tips
What is the Super Bowl without food? Wings, chili, sandwiches, chips, and treats; what a smorgasbord of deliciousness. When preparing your favorite big game meals or treats, why not get the kids involved?
Any time you can teach your kids how to safely navigate around the kitchen, it is a great learning opportunity. Not only are they learning how to prepare dishes, but they also get to feel a part of creating something that others will enjoy.
Super Bowl commercials and the halftime show
For those who aren’t gathered around the TV for the football game, the commercials and halftime show are what draws them in. Commercial time during the Super Bowl might be the most coveted real estate in the world and companies ensure that they’re getting their money’s worth. This drive to be memorable pushes advertisers to the limits to create unique concepts. Sometimes these concepts aren’t always the most suitable for children.
Some commercials pull on the heartstrings, some take the funny route. Others take a more provocative approach. You know those types of commercials. Needless to say, some commercials could not be kid-friendly, so plan accordingly. Be ready to provide a distraction or break out ol’ reliable, a quick hand in front of the eyes.
Along the same lines, the halftime show can also be a mixed bag. Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake combined for one of the well-known moments in Super Bowl history, and it had nothing to do with the game. Originally an afterthought that featured marching bands, and even a jet-pack one year, the Super Bowl halftime show has really become a major production in the last 30 years. Following that aforementioned halftime snafu, the NFL went to ultra-safe halftime performances that featured acts you would find on a classic rock playlist. In the last decade, the NFL has featured more current artists.
In an industry and culture that likes to push the envelope, there is increased potential for your child to hear or see something they may not be mature enough for. It is up to you to determine what you permit your child to see, but if you are concerned, the halftime show is the perfect opportunity to ask your kid to grab some more snacks or drinks so you’re ready for an exciting second half of football.
Sit back and relax
The Super Bowl has become one of the biggest events in the US. Use this time to bond as a family. Whether you’re watching for the football, the commercials, or the halftime show, make it a fun and memorable experience that everyone can enjoy. By planning ahead and making the event family-friendly, the Super Bowl can be a fun and inclusive tradition that kids look forward to every year! Whether you are a diehard football fan or just know that Taylor Swift’s boyfriend is somewhere on the field, grab a seat on the couch and enjoy the game.
Super Bowl LIX airs at 6:30 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT on Sunday, Feb. 9 on Fox, NFL+, Tubi, FuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV.