I took my kids to a family-friendly pub to watch the World Cup. It's more socially acceptable now.

Jonathan Stone with his kids, Jameson, 3, and Parker, 6, watching the World Cup.Courtesy of Jonathan StoneJonathan Stone and his kids are die-hard soccer fans and have been glued to the World Cup.The dad enjoys taking them to family-friendly pubs and bars to watch the games on big screen TVsHe was concerned that other customers might judge him, but found them to be welcoming and warm.

This story is based on an interview with Jonathan Stone, 44, of New Canaan, Connecticut, who works in event marketing. It has been edited for length and clarity.My kids and I have been looking forward to the 2026 World Cup for months.

Parker, 6, and her 3.5-year-old brother, Jameson, inherited my love of soccer and, like me, are rooting for England this summer.I'm American, but got hooked on European football at college, where two of my best friends were from the UK.

One supported Newcastle United, and it became my English Premier League side. The kids started wearing the kit as soon as they were born because everyone sent us themed onesies.The pub was family-friendlyI couldn't wait to buy them those little England shirts and shorts for this year's competition.

They proudly wore them for the last two England matches, particularly when I took them to a pub in Norwalk, Connecticut, to cheer the team.It was a family-friendly place that had World Cup soccer players' coloring sheets to keep the kids happy if their attention wandered. We also brought some Lego bricks for them to build with.

I ordered their favorite Shirley Temples and chicken tenders with fries, and they got really into the game.Stone and his daughter, Parker, cheered on the England national team.Courtesy of Jonathan StoneThey recognized a lot of the players because I'm always pointing them out.

And they joined in some of the chants and songs unique to soccer fans and appropriate for their age.I was also impressed by how much they know about the rules. Parker has always been keen to learn about things like offside, fouls, tackles