“Kids, the game is on if you want to watch it.”
This is me alerting my kids that some type of soccer game is on television. I always think they should watch more soccer when it is on. Afterall, I remember as a kid watching the sports that I loved on tv and learning a lot just from watching. But usually, I get a mixed response from my family. One time they will want to watch, one time they will want to watch something else, one time they will ask if I am recording it (only to never watch the game later), and one time they will just groan. It used to frustrate me sometimes when they don’t want to watch because I believe it will help them understand the game a little bit better. I also know that if you can’t force someone to watch something that they are not interested in. If you want your kids to watch some more soccer, here are things that I have learned over the years.
Put the game on, even if no one is watching.
Sometimes just having the game on is all that you need. I used to put the game on and if none of the kids were watching, I would record the game change it to something else, thinking we would watch it later. We usually never did. Then, I started to thinking back when I was a kid watching sports. Usually, it involved me wandering in the room and watching a game that my parents were watching. I may not watch the whole thing, but as I grew older, I found myself watching more and more and becoming a fan.
Make it an event
Kids like a party. Tell the kids the game is on. If the National Team is playing that day, get some Pizza, and some Popcorn and make it a big deal. The kids may be running around and having fun, but at least they will watch some of the game. Plus, they will have fun, and they will associate that fun with soccer.
They don’t have to watch the whole thing
If your kid comes in and watches a little and leaves, that is just fine. Kids are kids. Sitting and watching a game for 90 minutes is a long time for a kid. Hopefully, watching the game a little bit inspires them to pick up a ball and go outside and play a little soccer with their friends.
Talk to them about the game
When your kids are there, talk to them a little bit about the game. Point out some players on the team. Ask them who their favorite player is and what position they play. Talk about the formation they are in. Talk to them about where the game is being played. This will make the game a little bit more personal to you kid.
Maybe these things will work for you, maybe they won’t. Maybe it is not that important to you or your family to watch soccer on tv. It definitely will vary from person to person, family to family, and kid to kid. Selfishly, it is nice to watch games with my family. It gives our family something to enjoy watching together. So, if you are trying to get your kids to watch a little more soccer with you, I hope these tips helped in some small way. In the mean time, keep having fun and keep on kicking it!