My family loves to watch the Olympics. We record the games during the day and stay away from the news, text and radio updates so that we can gather together and watch the events. Of course we are a modern day family and we fast forward through commercials but stop to listen to the athletes stories and cheer them on during their race... hoping for victory! By the time you listen to the athletes story and their pre-qualifications you feel connected to their spirit and commitment to their sport. You seek a desire to see them win and to succeed. You want them to find victory at the end of their race too.

We also are a little quirky, I must admit, because we take the Olympics as an opportunity to introduce food culture to our children by preparing foods that are connected to countries that are participating in the Olympics. So far, our menu has included traditional foods from; Sweden, Hungary, Russia, Poland and Great Britain. This week we will experience Chinese and German, not sure what will be next at this point. Your suggestions are always welcome. Leave a note on our comments section.

Follow up:

The Olympics means so many things to those who enjoy watching the sports. Possibly it's about the latest advancements in the equipment available today, or how more aggressive a track has become or the inspirational accomplishments that a person shares with us about their Olympic journey. For me the Olympics re-affirms that many families across the country will find the time to spend their evenings together. They make the time to put aside the pressures and frustrations of their life. Perhaps, parents and their children find new things to talk about. Or possibly, kids find that parents become easier to talk to about the critical issues and concerns of their day. Connecting to one another on a whole different level impacts their relationship! Years to come, these families will look back and recall a game, a story and the good times they sat together on the coach.... jumping up and cheering the US Olympic team on to victory.

Normally, I don't advocate watching too much weekday television. Under the circumstances, I do find that the Olympics bring parents and their children together for something totally inspiring and an opportunity to create lasting memories.... so pull up a chair and turn on the TV and enjoy your family!

02/22/10 15:18