Britney Spears Night with the Newark Bears. Cheap Seat or Cheap Shot?

This is the description on AOL about the Newark Bears Baby Safety Night. Here is the description of the event from the Newark Bears' web site. Now, the idea is to promote baby safety. (Not going to go here, as I don't' know how rampant this type of fetishism is in Newark and maybe it wasn't enough of an issue for the Bears' PR people to take under consideration). like the manner in which the Newark Bears is promoting this event looking far more like a cheap shot than a public service to the community.

Since when do the under 4 year old set begin attending evening baseball games? Not that I am against it, I think some kids and babies can handle it, but for many kids this is dangerously close to bedtime. What about the parents who will be sitting in the stands with their babies and small children for hours? Sure they have a choice not to attend, but realistically, we know people are going to do it. This is, after all, what the Bears are hoping for, they want the parents there as they are the ones with the wallets and purses (or since we are dealing with the Tri-State area, pocketbooks). Baby safety, while a noble cause, is not the primary motive in these kind of promotions. If a team wants to really make it about the children, then host the event later in the season at a day game when the weather is cooler.

While the Bears acknowledge Britney's "public mishaps were far from intentional" what is their intention by making fun of a new mom? Baby safety? Okay, let's go with that. Definitely give the baby safety information out! Absolutely give away car seats! But also consider parents and the other attendees who may end up dealing with overtired, bored and unhappy children, kids who don't quite understand the beauty of the game and have not yet developed an appreciation for this great American pastime. Think about how this may play out knowing...Kids need their sleep. Sleep deprivation is running rampant for both adults and children we will have a far less cranky society if we all could just get the z's we need. (I know. Getting that kind of sleep is a fantasy, and not a titillating one at that!)

If however you will be taking your child out to the ball game (or any event)which lasts more than an hour, here are some considerations:

1. Prepare for the idea you may not stay until the fat lady sings. If you aren't willing to leave if your child is bored out of their mind or making the experience miserable for you (and possibly those around you) then consider skipping the game or finding a sitter, family member or friend to babysit.

2. Find out if you can bring your own snacks/water to the venue. Most arenas have concession stands, but they are very pricey.

3. Bring a toy or two, or a book for your child which either you can read to them or they can read by themselves.

4. Prior to attending the event, if your child is old enough, tell them about what they will be seeing and hearing during the course of the game. For example, some fans do get rowdy and may yell and curse. Be prepared to be asked questions about that, or at least consider what your child will be exposed to during the game and be pro-active about it.

5. Ask about whether or not smoking is permitted in the stands. If so, consider the amount of smoke your child will be exposed to and if this is an issue, you may want to reconsider attending with your child.

6. Consider attending with another family so you can take turns with bored or unhappy kids. Share the stress with others!

7. Decide on your souvenir policy. Will you buy souvenirs at the event or will you buy them prior and wear them to the event? Weigh your options and see which one fits best with your budget. If you already have some "fan gear" your children may be less likely to ask for the overpriced stuff at the event.

8. Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen!

9. Check and see if the team has any special "kids club". Sometimes teams have special events for kids and often they are free or at a reduced price.

10. Have fun as a family. Create family cheers, design your own spirit wear or team signs you can bring with you.

Lastly, give yourself and others a break, parenting kids in the public eye is no picnic. We can certainly empathize with Britney on that one. Play ball!

This just in:I guess the Bengals have had enough. They have set up a hotline to report obnoxious behavior. Can we consider this a step towards making ballparks more friendly for everyone, or a sad commentary on how adults are having a harder time controlling their behavior than they once did? Probably a little of both.