Why I Let My Son Stay Up for the Super Bowl

We are Patriots fans and last year I did something that my 8-year-old son refuses to let me forget. I made him go to bed at halftime of Super Bowl LI. Yup. That Super Bowl. The one where the Patriots completed the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history.

“Mommy, remember that time you made me go to bed at halftime,” he said. “And they came back and won. I’m not going to bed this year.”

Usually I don’t give in to such ridiculous demands. He’s always had a strict bedtime routine. He does better on a schedule and he’s a miserable grouch if he doesn’t get at least 9 hours of sleep. I weighed the pros and cons and decided to let him stay up (with a few stipulations). Here’s why.

One night past his regular bedtime is not going to hurt. The benefit of sharing an important moment with my son is worth it.

You can argue with me that the Super Bowl isn’t an important event. For us, it is. This year, Ben was totally invested in the New England Patriots. He’s asking questions about man-to-man coverage, illegal formation, pass interference and so many other things that I don’t know much about. As a single mom, raising a son isn’t easy. Especially with football-type stuff. Growing up as a tomboy has made it a little bit easier. Lucky for me, I know the difference between and offense and defense so that’s a plus.

Gronk's biggest fan getting fired up for the big game. 

We spent the first half watching the game with friends. We hustled home at half time, put on pajamas, brushed our teeth and settled in on the couch. I thought maybe, just maybe, he would drift off and fall asleep on the couch. No chance. Ben’s eyes were glued to the TV. He was hooked on every play. The best part of the Super Bowl for me was watching it through his eyes. Even when Zach Ertz crossed the goal line at 2:21 left in the fourth quarter.

“Don’t worry, Mommy. Tom Brady always comes back. It’s what the Patriots do.”

The optimism in his little voice was so comforting. Unfortunately, the Pats couldn’t make it happen. There were no tears. Just a few more football-related questions that I didn’t have the answer too. The sweetest moment of the night happened when I was putting Ben to bed.

“That's ok. We will get them next year,” he said as he rolled over and fell asleep.