By Colleen Rowe

Football season is here! Here are five tips for watching the game with your nieces and nephews:

1. Help them understand

At times, football can be complicated. For younger kids, explain to them what is happening between each play. A football-savvy aunt can explain why a play is a touchdown or not a touchdown,  or why an error is a fumble or an incomplete pass within a play. If they understand the rules, they are more likely to stay interested.

2. Watch as a team

Chances are your niece or nephew will want to become a part of the experience of watching their aunt’s favorite team, especially if they are at your place to watch the game, so make sure to include them in any referee calls - the good and not-so-good calls. If you’re a fan, you may spend time with family members who support different teams, so make it a friendly watch for your nieces and nephews.

3. Get them a jersey of their own

Wearing a team jersey is a big part of watching a sports team - especially if you are fans of the same team. It can help form a stronger bond. NFL Shop has jerseys from various teams for kids and adults to choose from.

4. Remember what’s important

Remember that Football Sunday, Monday, and Thursday is not only about watching the game, it is also about how you can watch the game with your family. With the excitement of watching the game, we sometimes focus too much on the sport itself. Nieces and nephews come to their aunt’s house to spend quality time with their role models, so sitting and talking with them during the commercials about what they are up to is a nice intermission between the heat of the game.

Published: September 24, 2014