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It's best to start talking with children about one of the best midfields in England in early childhood - but it's never too late. Talking with children about Eric Dier and Dele Alli may be uncomfortable at first, but it gets easier with time and practice.
Start With The Basics. Don't beat around the bush. Be honest. Tell them the too-good-to-be-true story of how a 19-year-old from Milton Keynes and an artichoke loving slab of English granite who grew up in Portugal came together to create something special. And they also became the foundation of Tottenham's midfield.
Be Upfront. Your child understands more than you give them credit for. Sit down and talk to them about what Dele and Eric do. Don't be afraid to be upfront and frank. They will know if you are hiding things from them. Your child will only grow to appreciate how midfielders cut off passing lanes and trigger presses if you start talking about it with them at an early age.
Talk Honestly About Your Feelings and Encourage Them to Share Their Own. It is only natural for a growing young person to get special feelings when they watch Dele and Eric's chemistry. Also when they watch them play football. It is healthy for your child to see the appreciation you also have for Dele and Eric's relationship on and off the pitch. You must take this opportunity to establish a dialogue with your child about what is happening to their bodies when they see the glances football players exchange during post match interviews.
Reward Their Interest. It can be hard for a young child to know what is acceptable at such an important stage of their development. Let them know that a budding interest in young midfielders is nothing to be ashamed of. Encourage them to re-watch Dele and Eric's post match interviews on youtube. Help them search instagram for pictures of them. Develop a system, such as putting a sock on the doorknob, for when they're breaking down tactical film of Tottenham's midfield.
How Can I Know What My Child's Friends at School are Telling Them about Dele and Eric? It is important to build a relationship of trust between every parent and child. If you cannot discuss what your child is saying about Spurs' star-crossed midfield at school, how can you hope to run a tumblr account with your child pasting Dele Alli and Eric Dier into screen captures of classic romantic films? Be as inquisitive as you can without being intrusive. If you are open about your thoughts on Dele and Eric to your child, they will be open to you about their thoughts on Dele and Eric.
Prepare Them For The Inevitable. It is essential your child understands that not all football players will affect them like Dele Alli and Eric Dier do. This is a unique and special experience that should be valued, but they will not want to share it with every pair of footballers they meet. While you do not want to traumatize your child at an early age, it may be a good idea to start gradually introducing videos of John Terry and Wayne Bridge refusing to shake hands into your home, so that your child's entrance into the cruel, harsh adult world is not a shock.
"Daddy/Mommy, my friend at school who supports United says that Spurs are going to sell Dele Alli and take him away from Eric and Spurs!" Tell your friend that he's a filthy liar and that will never happen. Dele would never do that to Eric. Tell that little brat to ask his Dad why Mommy is spending so much time with Ryan Giggs.