The Olympic Games are one of the most widely watched events in sports. For a few weeks, athletes from around the world come together after years of training and sacrifice to compete at the highest level. Along the way, families see moments of success and disappointment play out in real time, often in events they may not usually watch.

This is what makes the Olympics such a meaningful teaching opportunity for parents. Watching the competition with your kids opens the door to conversations about staying healthy, being physically active, and setting long-term goals. It is also a chance to talk about how physical health connects to mental and emotional well-being, and how participation in sports and team activities can help build confidence, discipline, and character.

Even the more difficult moments of the Olympics can offer important lessons. Over the years, there have been times when athletes have broken the rules in an attempt to gain an advantage and faced serious consequences as a result. These moments give parents a natural way to talk with their children about honesty, fair play, and the reality that even highly talented people lose opportunities when they choose to cheat.

Hold Your Own Olympic-Themed Games

You can use the Olympics to entertain everyone in the family with Olympics-inspired games. The winter weather might not always cooperate, but don't let snow on the ground stop you from getting outside with your kids. You can organize your own "mini-Olympics," complete with an opening ceremony and events that you and your kids create together, such as a snowman-building competition or a sledding race. You might even invite other families in your neighborhood to participate for even more fun. Afterward, everyone can head inside the house to warm up with some family time and hot chocolate.

At Boys Town, we teach kids to "compete with character." This means always showing good sportsmanship, respecting opponents, giving your best effort, winning with humility, and losing with dignity. Our Olympics Bingo is a fun, teachable moment that the whole family can enjoy. It will require you to watch for the character of the athletes and not just the athleticism.

The bingo cards feature examples of competing with character. When someone sees an Olympic athlete demonstrating one of the characteristics on their card, they can mark off the square. Just like regular bingo, the first person to mark a row wins. Come up with fun prizes each evening and make sure to discuss how the members of your family compete with character when they play sports.

Download the Olympic Bingo Cards Now!