Disclosure: I was sent a Pamper Parcel  from Betfair to review about my sport mad world to compensate for my time to write this post. All opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.

I’m an Arsenal fan, a Packers fan and just an all round SPORTS FAN

Its not everyday that you get to meet someone in your life who enthusiastically acknowledges your love of sport, who cradles you when your team loses in the champions league or paints a big ‘G‘ onto their fave, stay up till 4am and watch the Superbowl with you as your team wins. But this, for me, is my reality. My wife is as far from a sports fan as you can get but she finds it so easy to cheer along side me and really get into the games.

She gets excited for me as I venture to London for the Members day at Emirates stadium and applauds me for asking such stupid questions in front of a crowd as “Arteta, how does your hair always look so perfect?”

But Kerry is now not the only one around me to cheer on and experience the thrill, but my little Daisy-Ella is too.. Adorning her baby sized Green Bay Packers Gear or nestling into my arsenal shirt. She sticks there transfixed to the screen for every moment of the game and now, as much as your lucky underwear or your favourite Jersey , Daisy-Ella is now my lucky charm…
As recent as Arsenal vs Anderlecht for their Group D game in the champions league I was without my Daisy-Ella, until 5 minutes to go my wife comes in to casa el sporto needing me to take DE for a while to get some chores done… What’s this? A shot gone wide!! And another!! Me and Daisy-Ella are up. Tension filling the air…its GIBBS oh oh oh and PODOLSSKKII! ITS 2-1 ON THE 91ST MINUTE.. My heart is pounding. As if some magic had descended onto my lap.. Now my daughter watches all the games with me and smiles her way through it all.

So how do I get to sit down so often and watch the games I’ve been excited about? Here are 5 easy steps get get your way:

1. Be willing to take some extra slack at home : You want your way and a few hours alone? You’re not the only one. Take some extra time out of your schedule and pick up some extra chores around the house maybe try picking the ones your wife or other half has difficulty with for extra brownie points. Having a child around the house leads to a mountain of unexpected worries and mess, there is always something you can be getting on with.

2. Negotiate when you can: On the off chance your other half wants to have that extra long soak or go out for a night out with the girls, be prepared to let them know that you need some time for yourself too.. Its not just about fair but about stability as we all need a little escape from time to time. I find mine in many different way, but that house and a half to 2 hours on Saturday or Sunday can relieve stress and make for a much nicer and relaxing home.

3. Be the baby changing monitor: Be prepared to get your elbows deep in those extra nappy changing hours. As much as it gives you that extra edge for some more game time it also gives you that extra one on one time with your little one. Before you know it your little one will be hurling words only seen after watershed in your direction or living their own dreams away from your arms. This one is on the list to also make you remember what you have right in front of you. Two birds one stone but well worth it.

4. Disclaimer – Not for the amateur in us. Strategically wait for the game and little ones nap time. If you need to cradle your little one to sleep or rock them by your side have your tablet or phone on stand by with the game ready to go with some earphones. This way you can watch the game and watch as your little one snores away to the land of nod. I myself have found a sixth sense whilst my daughter falls asleep on me that I am now able to have my attention on both the game and her at the same time.

5. Give your other half some pamper treatment  or enjoy it both together. Days can be hard as a mum or dad and some times all it takes is a day of relaxation for your other half. But if your feeling in the mood have yourself your own little spa day and enjoy the experience.. you never know your partner may want to pull on one of your old jersey and scream at the TV or in the stands with you.  

Having spent a plethora of hours a year with my mind on sports, I forget some times that my wife need that time to unwind whilst I get wound up and with the Superbowl and with the battle for that champions league spot coming up I doubt it will simmer any time soon.

I have a whole season to go and as a family man, not a lot of time, I’ll be using these myself to pinch those extra few games.. Let’s see if we can get every game shall we!

A big thank you to Betfair for sending me this hamper and refueling my arsenal. I’ll now be able to sit back on boxing day, get fat and watch Premier league football all day.

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