The Olympic Cauldron by Duncan Rawlinson at http://www.TheLastMinuteBlog.com

How are you involving your adorables in all the festivities surrounding the Olympics?

(My apologies for not thinking of this post BEFORE the Opening Ceremonies!)

I asked several moms the same question and they had some great ideas!

Heidi Waterfield, mom of 1 adorable in San Francisco says, “We plan to watch the opening ceremonies with our ten-year-old daughter with a world map on the wall so that we can locate the countries as the teams are introduced.”

Another mom, Tracy Hahn-Burkett, mom of 2 adorables from New Hampshire and founder of The Uncharted Parent:

“I have two kids–eight and four-and-a-half–and I try to inject a little world awareness into our Olympic viewing. I know that my kids will be at least somewhat into the sports, but there are some good global lessons to be taught here, too. We try to make a little party of viewing the opening ceremonies by eating food from the host country while we watch. I point out the host country on the globe and then we look to see where it is in relation to where we are (N.H.). If we can find a game or a puzzle or something like that to play, we pull that out, too. As my kids get older, we might talk a little about what the government is like, history, language, culture, etc. (the amount will depend on how interested they are!). Then, almost without trying, the global awareness continues throughout as athletes from different countries compete and take the medal stand.”

Rachel Tayse, mom of 1 adorable from Columbus, Ohio and founder of Hounds In The Kitchen:

“My family of three loves the Olympics!  We typically host a party for the opening and/or closing ceremonies.  We invite guests of all ages to bring a dish or dessert representing their favorite country.  This year my four year old is helping to make olympic paper ring decorations and medals for everyone.”

I love this idea of eating around the world!!

Jenny Realo, mom to 3 adorables, a lifestyle savings expert, and an executive vice president of CareOne Services in Maryland offers 2 great ideas:

1. Experience the world through a potluck dinner during the ceremonies.

Food is a big part of any celebration. Before a viewing party, invite guests to bring an ethnic food representing one of the many of the countries participating in the Winter Olympic Games. You all save by spending less on food and experience some new cuisine. Don’t know where to start? Visit Epicurious.com and check out their “Around the World in 80 dishes.”

2. Hold your own hometown Olympic event.

Whether it’s blocking off the street for a wagon-pulling race or setting up an obstacle course in the front yard for an eggs-on-spoons challenge, plan for an exciting afternoon of competitive sports to get your family and neighborhood in the winning spirit. Before your hometown Olympic Games, hold an arts and crafts evening at a central location for children to create their versions of the gold, silver and bronze medals using old household items.

This may be a tad inappropriate (Canada, I love you like crazy) but it made me smile.

The scene at Whistler Creekside 8 days before the Vancouver 2010 Olympics by Duncan Rawlinson at http://www.TheLastMinuteBlog.com

However you celebrate the Olympic tradition, enjoy these 2 short weeks of joy!

]]> http://www.thegoodstuffguide.com/the-olympics-and-your-adorables/feed/ 5