My favorite Olympic memories: The 1980 U.S. men's ice hockey team winning the gold; the 1984 U.S. men's volleyball team and tall glass of water, Steve Timmons, serving up aces; and that tiny spitfire, Mary Lou Retton. I also remember being mesmerized by Flo-Jo's speed around the track.
The 2012 Summer Olympics in London are set to begin on July 27. Along with the opening ceremony, we plan on watching several competitions while crashing the homes of our television-owning friends and family. The sports of choice? Diving, swimming, volleyball and gymnastics. And my 7-year-old son is pretty excited since it's the first year he really understands what it's all about.
If you're thinking about turning your kid(s) onto the Summer Olympics, here are four things they can learn from watching the games:
- Teamwork and Sportsmanship. This is a no-brainer. Watching a team sport is an awesome way to show kids how players work together -- and work hard -- for a common goal. As for individual sports, it's also an opportunity to talk about how solo sports are cool, too. Individual athletes are supporting their entire country's team and cheer each other on. (Don't forget how solo athletes work with their own team (hello, Dara Torres) to even get to the Olympics). You can also show your kids good (and bad) examples of how players treat other teammates and competitors. Lessons are always more memorable when you can see something in action.
- Geography and Culture. Keep an atlas handy while your watching the games. If you have younger kids, break out the map and show them where competing countries are located in relation to you. Talk time differences, weather, how you'd travel there and what you would do and eat (also something you can ask your older kids about...nothing like an impromptu geography quiz!).
- Patriotism. Supporting your military at war is a common example used when folks describe the phrase "patriotism." But with kids, it's cool when you can show that patriotism doesn't equate with violence or fighting. Supporting your country's Olympic team helps teach kids to be proud of where they live. It's also great to teach your kids that it's okay (and fun) to support other countries. I remember cheering the teams from Ireland and El Salvador when I was younger because they represent my heritage. But I also loved Brazil (because of their kick-ass flag...little kids and their wacky rationale).
- Variety of sports. Your kid may looooove basketball or gymnastics. But what about watching something different, like water polo or soccer. Trampoline anyone?
Will you be watching the Olympics with your kids? What sports will you follow? And what are some of your favorite Olympic memories that you remember from back in the day?
