He's five, for goodness sake. 10 minutes into the game and all he'll want to do is draw in his colouring book. Just bring red and blue crayons though. You can't be too sure.

I also sat both my daughters down and told them it was very important that when they decided on their life partners they had to be "of the faith". When they asked me if them having Jewish partners was really that important to me I told them I couldn't care less about that - When I said "of the faith" I meant Melbourne supporters.

Happily the oldest is firmly entrenched with a mad Demons fan and we all go to the footy together.

You're lucky, mate. I've been with my girlfriend for almost 9 years. Still haven't been able to convert her. If she'd gone for almost anyone else besides Hawthorn, I reckon I would have been a chance to convert her, but alas they pump us every time and win the flag every year.

I just have to bide my time.

Edited July 24, 201510 yr by AdamFarr

He's five, for goodness sake.

Brainwashing for the greater good can never start too soon.

Tongue in cheek, OD.

I was in one of my serious moods AF

I reckon the pull of bonding with Dad outweighs a kid's want of success, and by the time they're old enough to care about success they're too entrenched to change.

I've changed my tack with my kids lately and it's improved their interest 200%. These days it's more "yayy Melbourne, go Demons, yayyy! Oh never mind, we lost by 80 points again. Let's have icecream."

It's very different when I'm watching on my own!

What Nasher is describing here is not bribery - it is a fun experience with their dad.

That's what the football means to your kids.

I don't have them but I have coached them in different sports and met a few little Demons, a couple of whom tell me that they don't like going when we lose because Dad gets angry or upset.

If you want your kids to be Demons - make it an enjoyable experience - that is what they care about.

By the time results and ladder position are their concern - they will be old enough to not want to go with their dad anyway...

What Nasher is describing here is not bribery - it is a fun experience with their dad.

That's what the football means to your kids.

I don't have them but I have coached them in different sports and met a few little Demons, a couple of whom tell me that they don't like going when we lose because Dad gets angry or upset.

If you want your kids to be Demons - make it an enjoyable experience - that is what they care about.

By the time results and ladder position are their concern - they will be old enough to not want to go with their dad anyway...

My old man was always pretty firey when I was young. I got my loudness off him, now he's mellowed and I'm the crazy one. I never walked away from games that we lost saying that was a bad experience with him. I walked away saying losing was a bad experience. I think it's totally a horses for courses situation and everyone is different.

If your side is relatively successful, as we were when I was growing up, that's all that matters. You will want to go again if you win.

I can absolutely see how some kids would be put off though. Particularly, if you were a kid in the last 10 years or so.

Brainwashing for the greater good can never start too soon.

Agree with this. I have two boys. My wife is a Collingwood supporter. The deal we had was that the first child would be a Demon and the second child would be a Magpie. Guess what, both boys (now young men) are Demon supporters. I took the first boy to the footy, bought him jumper, scarf, all the gear. Helped that this was late 1980s. The younger boy then automatically wanted to follow his older brother, go to the games, follow the same team etc. My wife has never forgiven me. I have the odd pang of guilt but it does not last. The only downside is that I have to pretend to support the Pies when they play (ex Melbourne games). I guess like life, its a trade-off.

Take the good seats and show him the highlights on the computer, My 5y.o. has been indoctrinated by judicious use of youtube (thanks to all who post highlights) He now yells Demons with the best of them (but is very torn on who his fave player is.) This way you have cake and eat it.

I reckon the pull of bonding with Dad outweighs a kid's want of success, and by the time they're old enough to care about success they're too entrenched to change.

I've changed my tack with my kids lately and it's improved their interest 200%. These days it's more "yayy Melbourne, go Demons, yayyy! Oh never mind, we lost by 80 points again. Let's have icecream."

It's very different when I'm watching on my own!

dont yo believe it !!

got kids Nash ? just asking'

school grounds are merciless on the downtrodden . Kids have no end of fun poking derision towards "losers' Kids tire of being on end of this real quick !!

This are times when instant gratification wins over all... Kids want to be winners.

I reckon the pull of bonding with Dad outweighs a kid's want of success, and by the time they're old enough to care about success they're too entrenched to change.

I've changed my tack with my kids lately and it's improved their interest 200%. These days it's more "yayy Melbourne, go Demons, yayyy! Oh never mind, we lost by 80 points again. Let's have icecream."

It's very different when I'm watching on my own!

Spot on Nasher. I always tried to be enthusiastic, optimistic and make going to the game fun. Have a few favourite players, talk up the young kids etc. Don't get down on the losses. Maybe explain the losses but without negativity. Negativity from Dad is a game killer. Take the footy, go down to the fence, have chips. Make it an enjoyable day.

Will be Jones' 200th

dont yo believe it !!

got kids Nash ? just asking'

school grounds are merciless on the downtrodden . Kids have no end of fun poking derision towards "losers' Kids tire of being on end of this real quick !!

This are times when instant gratification wins over all... Kids want to be winners.

Not in every situation, but the vast majority, certainly.

I say this often, but I coach at a private school in the traditional Melbourne heartland. Barely a demon in sight. Very scary. Success is what will ultimately bring kids back. There are some that are stoic, tough individuals who I very much admire, who will continue supporting despite poor performance. Unfortunately, these kids are in the minority.

dont yo believe it !!

got kids Nash ? just asking'

school grounds are merciless on the downtrodden . Kids have no end of fun poking derision towards "losers' Kids tire of being on end of this real quick !!

This are times when instant gratification wins over all... Kids want to be winners.

Only 4 kids, Bub. Is that enough to qualify me for comment?

And yes, I know it sucks to be the only loser MFC kid in the school when everyone else goes for a good team. I was that kid once.

It's character building, Nash.

Sit with the Demons and make sure all the 'little' things are good.

I.e. Bring plenty of brownies.

Through baked sweets we can make this club great again.

I took my 2 kids to the footy every chance I had....We had ham and salad rolls and a large bottle of cordial....sat out in the rain and barracked as hard as we could

They are still both members and my grand daughter is a paid up member (8 months old)

Even though we lost more than we won.....It was great family time

I took my 2 kids to the footy every chance I had....We had ham and salad rolls and a large bottle of cordial....sat out in the rain and barracked as hard as we could

They are still both members and my grand daughter is a paid up member (8 months old)

Even though we lost more than we won.....It was great family time

I did similar with Grand Dad as well Bossdog and lost.

My daughter has been a Bombers supporter since 14

Just could not cope with constant losses.

Edited July 24, 201510 yr by old dee

I did similar with Grand Dad as well Bossdog and lost.

My daughter has been a Bombers supporter since 14

Just could not cope with constant losses.

They probably weren't a great side to choose either, OD, unless she started barracking in 1999. They're in a bit of trouble despite beating us with their young kids. Our blokes just didn't turn up to play. Maybe there's a chance she'll jump back in the next 5 years.

Edited July 24, 201510 yr by AdamFarr

They probably weren't a great side to choose either, OD, unless she started barracking in 1999. They're in a bit of trouble despite beating us with their young kids. Our blokes just didn't turn up to play. Maybe there's a chance she'll jump back in the next 5 years.

Before that AF

She has seen premierships and numerous finals appearances.

A bit tough the last few years but no worse than following the dees over the last few years.

They will rise again.

I think she made a good decision back when she was 14/15

Does not suit me but probably the right decision.

Edited July 24, 201510 yr by old dee

I did similar with Grand Dad as well Bossdog and lost.

My daughter has been a Bombers supporter since 14

Just could not cope with constant losses.

but she can cope with all the bomber's crap???

I did similar with Grand Dad as well Bossdog and lost.

My daughter has been a Bombers supporter since 14

Just could not cope with constant losses.

Absolutely tragic old dee. This is terrible. One thing to lose your daughter to another club,..but the Bombers. Man or man I feel for you. I will have to shout you a Scotch one day and talk about all your/her successes.

Before that AF

She has seen premierships and numerous finals appearances.

A bit tough the last few years but no worse than following the dees over the last few years.

They will rise again.

I think she made a good decision back when she was 14/15

Does not suit me but probably the right decision.

no it is not the right decision OD, very philosophical but not OK old chap.

I took my 2 kids to the footy every chance I had....We had ham and salad rolls and a large bottle of cordial....sat out in the rain and barracked as hard as we couldThey are still both members and my grand daughter is a paid up member (8 months old)Even though we lost more than we won.....It was great family time

Sounds like our family, honestly some of the best memories.

but she can cope with all the bomber's crap???

As against the dees crap dc?

Seem fairly similar to me.

As against the dees crap dc?

Seem fairly similar to me.

definitely a family with decision making issues, od