5 Ways to Bond With Your Child During Baseball Season
Spring is in the air and you know what that means! That’s right – it’s baseball season! Dad, the game of baseball offers tremendous opportunities to connect with your child. Whether it’s watching your favorite baseball team on TV, going to a live game, or just playing catch, baseball can be a vehicle to bond with your child.
- Watch a Game on TV Together. Short on funds? Well, grab some healthy snacks and watch a great baseball rivalry (e.g., Yankees vs. Red Sox or Giants vs. Athletics) on TV with your child. There are many breaks during a game where you can talk to your child about the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, and a strong work ethic.
- Go to a Major League Baseball (MLB) Game Together. There is nothing like the roar of the crowd, sipping a pop/soda, and eating peanuts and cracker jacks at a big league stadium! Find out what your child’s favorite team is and take him/her to the stadium to see the team play. Make sure your child brings a baseball glove – he/she might just catch a foul ball!
- Go to a Minor League Game Together. Every MLB team has minor league affiliates at the Single A, AA, and AAA levels. Oftentimes, these teams are located in or around your hometown! Many minor league clubs offer special promotions, like celebrating your child’s birthday at the game. If notified in advance, your child’s name and photo could be placed on a stadium scoreboard before the game!
- Play baseball with your child. Taking time out with your children to teach them the game of baseball can be one of the priceless moments in life. Playing catch can be a wonderful time to bond. It shows that you have an interest in your children, gives you an opportunity to teach life lessons, and gives your children a healthy and safe pastime to enjoy.
- Sign up your child in a baseball league. After practicing baseball with your child, gauge their interest level. If your child likes baseball, go to your local school to sign him/her up in an age-appropriate league. Your child will meet other children, learn about competition, and about obeying rules. Most of all, your children will know that you love them because you are an involved, responsible, and committed dad!