I'm a young dad of a 22-month-old toddler. I really want to take him to a football match with me at my beloved Brentford. It's at a relatively large stadium of 12,000 but not massive by any means.
They have a family stand and staff said I would be best sat there. I am happy for him to sit on my lap and would bring plenty of toys for him. He likes football and has already got all the Brentford gear he wears a lot.
But his mum is completely against the idea and says he is too young.
What do you think?
take him anyway
whens hes 22 years old he'll be bragging his been there 20 years!!
(unless he sees sense of course)
That's part of my argument. It would be wicked for him to able to say that and I think it'll be a great bonding experience between us. The more I think about it, the more I think I'll take him. There is a game on April 30.
If this is during his contact time with you, it is up to you what you do during that time. I wouldn't class a football match at Brentford as a safeguarding issue - believe me, I've been 😀
Thanks all for the comments. To clarify, I am with my son's mum - we live together so this isn't 'contact time' as such. It is just something I want to do with him but she's not sure about the idea. As we know, lads, need to get the missus' say so first before doing anything 😛
Those who have experienced taking their little one to football, how was it? I mean, I'm trying to convince her I'll happily go home if my lad becomes too restless or cries constantly. I'll get an aisle seat too, so I can leave as and when to sooth him in the concourse.
What about nappy changing? Missus thinks they'll be nowhere to change him, but I'm sure there will be baby changing, especially in family stand? Otherwise, I'll no doubt find a relatively quiet area on the ground in the concourse/refreshment area to change him, I'll bring a mat to use etc. I've changed nappies in weirder places...
Ah apologies, should have asked that really.
Sounds like you've thought it through. Have you thought about suggesting Mum comes too so that she can see it will be okay for future times? Perhaps that might ease her concerns somewhat?