Taking kids to matches...is it pointless if they're too young?

[Titch]

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I know there are youngsters who seem to take to the occasion immediately and cause no bother.

There are others, unfortunately, who don't, and those kids shouldn't be brought back until they ARE of an age to enjoy it.

And equally unfortunately, there are a lot of parents who can sit totally oblivious for 2 hours while the evil sprog they've inflicted on the world makes everyone around them miserable.

These parents and their children I have encountered at ER, at the cinema, at the supermarket, and at my place of work. Also in the library and once at the National Gallery at an art exhibition. Haemorrhoids, the lot of 'em.

Totally agree with you, Stevie - provided the parents do what you do and control the situation.

As I've said, my guy has never stepped out of line at the football - in fact, he's the one who keeps ME in order these days.

i've encountered a lot more miserable old people at the football than i have kids so the same could be said for the top end of the scale i however think ANYONE who wishes to go to the football should be ABLE to go to the football and if someone is happy with their child asking for mummy etc.. then thats their business EACH TO THEIR OWN

[--------]

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i've encountered a lot more miserable old people at the football than i have kids so the same could be said for the top end of the scale i however think ANYONE who wishes to go to the football should be ABLE to go to the football and if someone is happy with their child asking for mummy etc.. then thats their business EACH TO THEIR OWN

What you suggesting??????


I am a little ray of sunshine when I go to ER.

I am the original sunshine on Leith, I'll have you know.

Sweetness and light personified, in fact.


Seriously, I think when there IS a problem for kids and their parents at a football match, it's because a football stadium isn't exactly a child-friendly environment.

Also some parents don't exactly think things through before they bring the kids. A dad who's focussed on the football and ignoring the child beside him isn't actually doing the kid any favours.

But you're right - we need to cater for the youngsters regardless of how we feel or what went on in the "good old days" if we're going to build a secure future for the club. Which means more children, more family groups, more women and a happier and friendlier atmosphere at games.

We have 21,000 seats in the stadium now. It would be nice if maybe eventually we reach the point where a few away fans sitting quietly in the West Upper could do so without attracting hostility and possible abuse....

I'll endeavour to curb my inner Victor Meldrew and welcome the presence of children around me this season. At least until we're relegated.

[Titch]

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What you suggesting??????


I am a little ray of sunshine when I go to ER.

I am the original sunshine on Leith, I'll have you know.

Sweetness and light personified, in fact.


Seriously, I think when there IS a problem for kids and their parents at a football match, it's because a football stadium isn't exactly a child-friendly environment.

Also some parents don't exactly think things through before they bring the kids. A dad who's focussed on the football and ignoring the child beside him isn't actually doing the kid any favours.

But you're right - we need to cater for the youngsters regardless of how we feel or what went on in the "good old days" if we're going to build a secure future for the club. Which means more children, more family groups, more women and a happier and friendlier atmosphere at games.

We have 21,000 seats in the stadium now. It would be nice if maybe eventually we reach the point where a few away fans sitting quietly in the West Upper could do so without attracting hostility and possible abuse....

I'll endeavour to curb my inner Victor Meldrew and welcome the presence of children around me this season. At least until we're relegated.

wasn't a personal dig at you mate just giving my opinion.

[smack]

I took both my sons to Easter Road when they were only 2.

It is a parents duty to brainwash their children to ensure that the only team they will ever support is the hibees.

[--------]

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wasn't a personal dig at you mate just giving my opinion.

I know.

I think we all have horror stories of finding ourselves trapped somewhere surrounded by the Family From Hell. Equally, I have memories of people who found it incredibly hard to understand that children are entitled to be part of the community and that THEY should make allowances accordingly.

One thought I have is tha this is where a couple of big screens would be useful at ER, as well as a much more professional approach to music and PA. We could learn a lot from the likes of ice hockey, IMO, about the way to present the game to a mixed audience. Kids love music, and good visuals can catch their imagination very easily.

[Grizz]

Eagerly looking forward to taking the wee man to ER for the first time, but I'd rather it be something for him to remember and want to go to regularly, so I'm holding off til he's about 4 or 5 yrs (currently 9 months auld, so a wee bit to go!).

Got vague memories of my old boy (a some-time Falkirk supporter) taking me along to the old Brockvile and Stenny's grounds in the pshing rain when I was a wee boy and I think I liked the pies & scary atmosphere more than the actual fitbaw (That goes without saying I guess, given the grounds I mentioned! ).

[Jay]

Scott was 6 the first time I took him to ER. I made sure we had aisle seats (as I do everytime I take the kids anywhere) so that if he was getting up and down for the toilet, juice etc he wouldn't bother anybody. Its a lot to ask a small child to sit in the freezing cold watching a football game with 10000 adults shouting and (hopefully) cheering.

What age they should go depends on the child themselves. I'd say if you are doing it for you then dont. If you think they would enjoy it and are doing it for them then give it a try. If they dont enjoy it it doesn't mean they never will. Choose the game with a bit of sense. An OF game or a derby isn't the best first experience for a timid 3 year old but could be an amazing experience for an outgoing 6 year old.