The Olympics

Having two young sons and a futbol/football loving dad in the house, you would think we would watch more sports around here. But we don't. DH does make a point of watching the Steelers play and uses the DRV on boxing matches and the World Cup. But that's about it.

This year the Olympics have caught our attention. I think the boys are at the ages where they can start to appreciate the strength and abilities of the athletes. They also are showing a sense of patriotism in rooting for the American athletes.

It has also helped us reinforce nutrition, endurance and commitment. Both boys play non-competitive soccer. We have made a point to teach them that what goes into their bodies will effect their performance. N has been working on his endurance by running on the treadmill each day. And we decided that they would pay the fees for soccer and we would reimburse them if they showed commitment through the season.

I know what you are thinking: they are awfully young to be in training! No, that's not what we are doing. We are trying to teach good nutrition, importance of exercise, fiscal responsibility, and follow through. These are life lessons and we are using soccer as the vessel.

Anyway, as we watch the human interest stories about the athletes, it enables us to reinforce all these things. We also have been able to talk about genetics as the commentator analyzed Michael Phelps' body. Long upper torso and short legs makes for a good swimmer. We looked at the runners and noticed that long lean bodies make good runners. The gymnasts were smaller, but extremely muscular. The boys analyzed their own physiques and we decided A has a runner's body and N would be a great swimmer or weight lifter!

So we have enjoyed the swimmers and the gymnasts over the first part of the week. When we sat down to watch the Games on Thursday, women's beach volleyball was on. Nick was excited. "I like volleyball!" he said

"I didn't know you knew what it was."

" Yeah, Mommy. When I was in school I think we played it once."

(I think they hit a balloon over a net. Potato, potahto.....)

Soon A shows up. First thing out of his 7 yo mouth:
"Why are those girls wearing bikinis?"

N just giggled. And giggled. (Usually bringing up the subject of girls in any fashion results in anger or denial of interest.)

I said, "N, is that why you wanted to watch this?"

Again giggles, giggles and no denial.

Hmmmm.....I think my 9 1/2 y.o. is on the brink of puberty. I thought I had a few more years.

Yes, The Olympics have been eye opening in many ways.........