Football Prep "Game Day Bags"

Our first scrimmage is today and I am so excited to get the ball moving! We have decided that before each season begins, we are going to start the tradition of getting our cheerleader prepped for the games! We are going to make a "game day bag" for her.

I found a black and red (our school colors) tote bag and we took a trip to the dollar store to let the cheerleader pick a few toys to stick in the bag. The "game day bag" will stay in the trunk of my car, the contents designated as "special game toys." This will relieve some of my game day frazzled-ness by having one less thing to worry about. Once the season is over, they all get donated!

Why don't we pack a bag with what we have, you ask?! We want our cheerleader to be as excited about sporting events as we are, but at the age of two, she has very little interest in sitting in the stands for hours. My coach hates seeing children running all over the place at events, so the "game day bag" is a win, win, win. He does not see cheerleader running around (Coach is happy), I can enjoy the game without correcting or chasing her the whole game (BBB is happy), and she is entertained for an hour or two(Cheerleader is happy).

When the season is over, Cheerleader will help take all the toys to be donated. This is a great lesson about giving, the toys (hopefully) will only be slightly used, and we will not have more toys cluttering up our home turf!

This year our "game day bag" consists of markers (no crayons!), spiral notebook (no flying artwork), color books, reading books, a baby doll, and an etch-a-sketch. Fortunately and unfortunately, we have also agreed to let her take her portable dvd player (not up for donation ;)!), on occasion. Our stipulations for this privilege: cheerleader must do all of her chores and be well-behaved for the week.

We are off, "game day bag" in tow, ready for a great season! See you there!