The Olympics

Last week, my son asked to watch television and I was happy to share with him the Olympics was starting.  I have many memories of watching the Olympics with my mother growing up.  We always enjoyed the figure skating, skiing and bobsledding events during the Winter games.  I vividly remember watching Alberto Tomba, Brian Boitano, Kristi Yamaguchi, and Debi Thomas compete.  Am I aging myself here?  

Nowadays there are few opportunities to sit as a family and enjoy watching a television show with themes and topics suitable for both parents and children.  Since my son is a huge ice hockey fan, I thought this is the perfect age to turn television time into a learning experience.  

We spoke about how the world comes together to celebrate this event.  He asked about the symbol on the Olympic flag and together we researched on the computer to find out it represents the 5 points of the world that come together to participate - Africa, Americas, Asia, Australia, and Europe.  Please tell me I'm not the only one out there that didn't know what the Olympic symbol meant?

We located Sochi on a map and talked about how people travel from every corner of the world to participate in the Olympics.  We also located Greece on the map and spoke about the origination of the Olympic games that started 776 B.C., yet the winter games weren't introduced until 1908.  

Most important, for a seven year old boy who is always participating in sports on the playground, during physical education at school or on play dates - it is a natural catalyst to speak about the importance of good sportsmanship, teamwork, and dedication.  

Today is the first Men's Ice Hockey Game of the Olympics.  I'm excited for my son and husband to enjoy watching the game and hope it begins to make the memories of watching this event together as I remember growing up.

Do you enjoy watching the Olympics with your children?  Do you have any memories as a young child of watching the Olympics?

Click here to see a beautiful commercial by P&G about Olympians and their Moms.



photo credit: geckoam via photopin cc