Life lessons kids can learn from the Olympics

Is your family big into the 2012 Olympics like mine is? This is the first time my son could actually sit down and watch the games with us. The Olympics is not only fun, but also very educational. Here are some things our kids are learning from watching the 2012 Summer Olympics:It’s a big world out thereEvery time an opponent comes on TV, my son asks what languages he or she speaks. I brought out his kids world map, and I’ve been showing him the countries the on the map. We also talk about the different types of foods that each country is known for.During the opening ceremonies, he learned about the Queen of England. Luckily, I saw the special on the Queen during her Jubilee, and was full of the history and information on Queen Elizabeth. Of course, I could not leave out the beautiful Kate Middleton and Prince William, so I filled my son in all about the royal couple because that’s important stuff too!These kinds of conversations about where other people live, how they live, and what languages they speak don’t pop into a child’s mind every day. But thanks to the Olympics, it has been a big discussion in our home and my son has become curious about the different sports, and the athletes playing them.PatriotismThis is a great time to talk about how proud you are of your country, and how the Games bring countries together to cheer on our best athletes.Practice, Practice, PracticeWe talk to my son everyday about practice. You have to keep practicing writing your name to get better, practice tying your shoes, practice cleaning your room, and practice making your bed. Watching these Olympic athletes, some of whom are very young, and hearing their stories is so inspiring!We watched Gabby Douglas - at only 16 - gets the chance to win four gold medals for the US. After watching her performance my son asked “How did she do that?” “Lots of practice, and hard work” I said.These athletes inspire all of us, and I am so glad my son is getting inspired too.Historical EventsThe Summer Olympics happen every four years, and each year a new country plays host. So many memorable moments have happened during the Olympics. Everyone remembers Athens, when Michael Phelps won eight gold medals in 2008 and the 1992 men’s basketball team. In 2012, it’s all about what’s known as the gymnsastic ”Dream Team.”What will be this Olympic moment that will go down in history? We will be watching! Hope you and your family are too!Modern Mom