Why you Should Watch the World Cup with Kids

The U.S. Women's Soccer team beat No. 1 Germany 2-0 Tuesday to advance to the World Cup finals. Exciting stuff indeed! Whether you are a zealous soccer fan or just stand behind all things Team U.S.A., the World Cup offers teachable moments for children – both male and female!

The other semi-final game is Thursday between Japan and England. The winner of that match plays the U.S. on Sunday. Here are a few things to discuss as you watch with kids.

1. Team spirit.
Look for high fives and comraderie. Discuss how working together is what makes the team successful.

2. Determination.
When the going gets tough, that's when you get going. Even when losing, you never give up. Discuss how the team keeps on trying to come back.

3. Leadership.
Discuss the captain of the team and how that person leads the team to be their best by rallying and organizing.

4. Overcoming.
Anxiety and nerves are part of the game even for the best athletes. The pros make it look easy, but talk to kids about how all athletes start young, and work their way up through hardwork and perserverence, and have to overcome challenges along the way.

5. Sportsmanship.
Win or lose, sportsmanship is a fine point of the game. (Let's hope the pros show this in their actions on the field Sunday). Use the opportunity to talk about how losing is part of playing and that winning isn't everything … though we hope the U.S. proves to be the world champs!

The U.S. Women's team is also comprised of moms making it happen on and off the field. See how they do it.