The Olympics: A family affair
Editor's note: This article appeared in the March 22, 2010, edition of Quirk's e-newsletter.
The Olympic Games only come around once every two years, but when they do, many parents take full advantage of the two weeks of family-friendly viewing, according to a study conducted by Stamford, Conn., research company InsightExpress. A full two-thirds of parents say they would rather watch the Olympics with their children than any other prime-time TV shows that are on at the same time. And it's not all about the medals. From the Olympics' cultural significance to their spirit of global togetherness and sportsmanship, parents of children ages 5-17 see them as a way to spend quality time with their children and impart positive values.
Seventy-seven percent of parents agree that the Olympics are "an important cultural event that I want my children to experience," and another 61 percent report a willingness to let bedtimes slide to allow children stay up later in order to watch the Games. Seventy-six percent agree that the Olympics are one of the few major television events that families can watch together and enjoy some quality time.
Parents also use the Olympics as a teaching opportunity. Seventy-seven percent say "watching the Olympics with my children gives me the opportunity to teach them positive values," including the importance of discipline and hard work; doing the best you can, even if you don't win; and good sportsmanship. Seventy-four percent of parents say it is very important to them, personally, to talk to their children about the importance of teamwork while the Olympics are on.
Aside from the cultural importance the positive values displayed, 88 percent of parents believe that the Olympians themselves set a good example of healthy behaviors, encouraging children to adopt good exercise and eating habits.