Give your kids "Go" with Olympic inspiration
How to introduce them to a world of sport
The Olympics offer a great chance to teach your kids about sport and get them excited about new activities.
"Our family will be skiing for the first time this year because of watching a piece about the Canadian Olympic ski team on the news," says Ottawa mom Joania Burnett, whose commitment to getting more active was recognized in a national ParticipACTION television ad. "We were inspired!"
When you’re encouraging your kids, remember the creed: "The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part." Here are some great tips to get your family in an active frame of mind:
- Hosting a party? Make it Olympic themed, with posters, home-made gold medals and ice skating or tobogganing.
- Choose an athlete or new sport that is unfamiliar to you for your family to follow. Cut out photos, post the Olympic schedule and try out your own version of the sport at home.
- Volunteer to help out with your child’s new team or club.
- Encourage your child to join sports teams, intramurals or clubs at school. Encourage the school to give kids access to sports equipment or practice the skills they learn in gym class during free play.
- Try dry-land training! If you’re going on a family ski trip, take your kids jogging or walking a few times to get ready.
- See it live. Get your kids excited about sport by seeing local heroes in action at a hockey game, skating competition or cross-country ski race.