I realize that every guy is different, but for the most part, guys love sports. We love to play sports. We love to watch sports. We love to read about sports. We love to talk about sports.
On the flip side, women aren’t into sports like men are. Oh sure, there are gals out there who are crazy about sports. However, I’m sure it’s safe to say that by in large, guys are into sports much more than gals.
So where am I going with this?
It’s a sad truth that in our society, a husband’s addiction to sports has caused more than one marital problem. It’s hard to spend quality time with your wife when the TV is constantly tuned to ESPN. So guys, a key to having a quality marriage (assuming you’re a typical sports nut) is finding a way to enjoy sports without blowing off your wife and kids—which is not an easy task for some, but it can be done.
Here are four ideas on how to enjoy your sports addiction while still being a good husband and dad…
-
Start a Sports Schedule or Routine
Sorry guys, but you can’t use sports as an escape from life. Meaning it’s not okay to come home, plop your butt on the sofa, and watch ESPN until bed. At least not if you expect to have a happy marriage.
Instead of just tuning in (to sports) and then tuning out (your family), make a sports schedule and keep the routine. If you enjoy watching Sports Center daily, pick a time to watch early in the morning or after the kids have gone to bed, and then stick to that. Using a DVR to record and watch it later is also helpful.
If you play in a fantasy league or like to read sports news/blogs online, then keep that activity confined to a specific time of the day as well. This way your family will know they can spend time with you the rest of the day, and they won’t feel shutout by Sports Center.
-
Let your Family Know About Upcoming Games you Plan to Watch
Obviously a routine doesn’t work when it comes to game 5 of the NBA Finals. And face it, you’re not a serious sports nut if you don’t watch playoff games in the sports you follow. Since these playoff games can come at odd times and are not always predictable, just let your family know ahead of time there’s a big game on TV tomorrow night, and you’d really like to watch it.
(And no gals… in case you were wondering… it’s not cool to DVR a live playoff game and watch it later… sorry!)
As long as you don’t overdo it and have to watch “important games” several nights a week all year long, then your family should be understanding. You might even use these games as an opportunity to teach your kids about the joy of watching sports, by getting them involved (more on that point in a bit).
-
Ask for Permission Before Joining a Sports League (including fantasy leagues)
I know… I know… we men don’t feel we should have to ASK our wives if it’s okay to play for our company softball team this summer, or ask our wives if it’s okay to join another fantasy football league this fall. But think about it this way, those activities can consume a lot of your time and energy. How would you feel if your wife started a hobby or activity that kept her away from the house every Saturday afternoon—leaving you behind to watch the kids—and she didn’t even bother to ask if you were okay with it? Yeah, she doesn’t like that either.
So do the right thing and ask for permission whenever your sports addiction is going to take a lot of time or cost a lot of money. What if your buddies invite you to go with them to the baseball game tonight? Ask your wife if she minds. What if your pastor asks you to join the church intramural volleyball league? Check with your wife first and make sure she’s okay with it.
-
Get your Family Involved in Sports
Getting your family involved in sports can be the hardest to accomplish, but is the best way to accommodate both your sports addiction and your family. Perhaps you can ask them if they’d like to watch the big playoff game together as a family, taking the opportunity to teach your kids (and wife) about the rules and intricacies of the game. There’s a good chance your wife would go along with the idea if instead of just YOU watching the game by yourself, you turned it into a family activity.
Other ideas are taking the entire family to a baseball game on family night… getting your kids involved in junior football, baseball, or gymnastics… reading sports news to your baby or toddler… (hey why not?)
Just be creative and find ways to involve the family in your passion for sports. It’ll be a win-win for both them and you.
Tags: Family, Family Time, Marriage, Marriage Tips, Parenting Tips, Sports
Related Posts:
