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I didn’t think of everything when I was placing the Munchkin for adoption. Due to the pregnancy complications and sheer amount of information to consider and decide upon, I let one thing slip my mind: what sports teams her parents supported. Okay, so I’m being kind of funny and “tongue-in-cheek.” (Or, if you’re from Pittsburgh, you actually get the “importance” of this point.) But, suffice it to say, Munchkin’s Dad and I do not agree on football teams. While we aren’t in the same conference, we have played each other on occasion. Thankfully, we sat in different states, watching on our own televisions. (Though theirs is much bigger and I wouldn’t mind watching over there!)
In short, I don’t mind that my daughter is wearing some not-as-great team’s jersey. She’d look much cuter in black and gold, of course, but, alas, she looks pretty cute in just about anything. Do I have a point? Yes. I’m getting there but I’m having way too much fun with the sports talk.
Anyway, the point is that if you like a sport that the other family likes, take advantage of what will either be comraderie or have a little fun with a rivalry. Of course, this should come with some advance notice to make sure that the other involved parties are not absolute fanatics. Some people might literally take offense if you “dog” on their team. Run it by them first to see if any of the following ideas will result in blood shed. If so, please avoid.
1. Plan a visit during the game in which your teams play. If the only time that they possibly meet is in the playoffs or, even better/worse, the Super Bowl, make a huge deal of the game and party. Decorate half of the room in your team’s colors and half of the room with their team’s decorations. Get recipes that are local to the team’s home town. (For example, Steelers fans might bring some Primanti Brothers sandwiches or make some homemade piergoies and Eagles fans could bring along some Philly cheesesteaks.) (By the way, writing that sentence made this pregnant lady very hungry.) If necessary, draw a line of tape down the middle of the room to keep fans separated. Taunt as necessary.
2. If you’re feeling kind, be like the Munchkin’s Dad and buy your placed child a shirt that features the team which the adoptive family supports. Yes, folks, that’s right. J stepped out of his fandom and bought Nicholas his first Steelers (Roethlisberger, at that) jersey. That’s love for someone else if I ever saw it! If you’re feeling kind of snarky, buy your child and her most sports-loving parent shirts that feature your team.
3. Send each other clippings of games as they are featured in your local newspaper. (Because, of course, each area will have their own spin on the game.) This could create a fun sports themed scrapbook!
4. Be a good sport and actually acknowledge the other family’s team when they’re doing well… even if yours is biting the big one. Call after a big game and offer congrats. (Yes, because those sitting on couches at home did do a lot of work in the actual winning of the game. I promise!)
5. If you’re feeling in the giving mood, take them to a game. Whether it is your team or their team, every football fan enjoys a trip to the stadium, a good hot dog and yelling at the top of their lungs. Be sure to take pictures to show your kids how crazy you all are in the end.
And, of course, make a tradition of whatever idea you decide to go with, or one of your own! The point is to have fun with one another. And nothing is more fun than football, my friends.
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For more on Creating Traditions, read:
1. Costume Sharing.
3. Favorite Books.
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Photo Credit.
My nephew wears a Cubs t-shirt and Giants cap, or vice versa, when they are watching baseball. Cute and fun.