Parent's Guide: Watching the 2008 Summer Olympics with Kids

The 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing will be here soon. For parents, watching the Olympics with their kids can be a wonderful opportunity to learn about sports, sportsmanship, and the world. These activities will get your children excited about moving and learning.

Keep a globe or a world map near the TV to show your child where he or she lives and compare it to where Beijing is. Then as different athletes compete, look up where they are from also. Point out Greece, where the Olympics originated and the Olympic torch is lit at the beginning of the torch relay.

Make a point to watch sports with your children that they may not know about such as synchronized swimming, kayaking, or crew.

Point out that the one of the goals of the Olympics is international unity. Each of the five colors of the interlocking rings of the Olympic logo-red, yellow, blue, green, and black-represent one of the five major continents of the world. One or more of these colors is present in the flags of every nation.

Recreate some of the Olympic track events in your backyard. Some good events to recreate are long jump, sprints, triple jump (a hop, followed by a step, then a jump), shot put (a softball is a good substitute for young children), and discus (use a Frisbee). Measure your children's height, length, and speed and challenge them to compete against themselves by breaking their own records. Share the Olympic motto, "Swifter, higher, stronger" as your children push their limits.

Applaud examples of good sportsmanship during the Olympics. Discuss what sacrifices Olympians make to get to the games.

Let your children practice their gymnastic abilities by putting out a blanket on the lawn to practice front rolls (summersaults), handstands, and cartwheels. A board on the grass can become a safe balance beam for practicing routines.

Discuss the meaning of the Olympic creed: "The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well."

When the Olympics are over, encourage your child learn a new sport, or take up a new Olympic sport that the whole family will enjoy, such as badminton or table tennis.

Talk about goal setting and discuss what the Olympic athletes had to do to reach their goals.