Family Tides
The 2026 Winter Olympics are underway in Italy, and living rooms across South Jersey have transformed into front-row seats to the world’s greatest winter sports stage. This year’s Games feel especially personal for local families, thanks to hometown figure skater Isabeau Levito, the 18 year old from Mount Laurel competing in women’s singles at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Levito’s Olympic debut gives South Jersey something rare: a neighbor to cheer for on a global stage. Whether your household is glued to every routine or just catching highlights between homework and dinner, there are plenty of meaningful ways to turn the Games into a shared family experience.
Make figure skating night an event
Figure skating is often the emotional centerpiece of the Winter Olympics, blending athleticism with artistry. When Levito takes the ice for her short program or free skate, treat it like a major local event.
Break out red, white, and blue snacks, make homemade signs, or dim the lights for a “spotlight” viewing atmosphere. Younger kids can rate performances with scorecards, while teens might enjoy predicting podium finishes. Watching together encourages conversation about dedication, nerves, and what it takes to perform under pressure.
Create mini ‘Winter Olympics’ at home
You don’t need snow to stage your own games. Turn your living room, basement, or backyard into a playful Olympic arena.
Try events like:
Towel or sock “speed skating” races on smooth floors
Target toss or Nerf shooting for a biathlon twist
Couch-pillow obstacle courses for freestyle “skiing”
Hand out homemade medals crafted from cardboard, foil, or even chocolate coins. Let kids design a podium and play the national anthem of the “winning country” (or just a favorite song). The sillier, the better.
Follow a daily highlight hour
Olympic coverage can span all hours due to the time difference, making it hard for families to watch live events. Instead, choose one consistent time each day to watch the highlights together.
Rotate who picks the sport: speed skating one night, snowboarding the next, then curling or hockey. This keeps everyone engaged and exposes children to events they might not otherwise discover.
Keep a running list of favorite moments on the fridge. By the end of the Games, you’ll have a scrapbook of shared excitement.
Start a family medal board
Create a simple scoreboard on poster board or a whiteboard to track medal counts. Add columns for gold, silver, and bronze, and update them each day.
You can focus on Team USA or include several countries your family feels connected to. Consider adding a special section for Levito’s results to keep local pride front and center.
Younger children love placing stickers or coloring in bars, while older kids may enjoy analyzing which sports produce the most medals.
Explore the host region from home
The Games are taking place in northern Italy, including Milan and the Alpine region. Turn Olympic viewing into a mini geography and culture lesson.
Cook simple Italian meals together, like homemade pizza, pasta, or hot chocolate inspired by European cafés. Listen to Italian music during dinner or learn a few basic phrases. Even a quick look at maps or photos of the Dolomites can spark curiosity about the world beyond South Jersey.
This approach turns passive watching into active learning.
Celebrate the stories behind the athletes
Every Olympian has a powerful backstory shaped by years of sacrifice, injuries, early mornings, and perseverance. Spend a few minutes each night learning about one athlete’s journey.
Levito’s story, in particular, resonates with local families: a young woman who started skating as a toddler and steadily climbed to the sport’s highest level. Discussing these stories helps kids understand that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about resilience.
Invite friends or family for a watch party
Even a small gathering can amplify Olympic excitement. Invite grandparents, neighbors, or teammates over for a key event. Ask each guest to bring a snack representing a different country or winter sport.
For children, seeing adults cheer, debate scores, and celebrate together reinforces the communal spirit that makes the Olympics unique.
Mark the closing moments
When the Games wind down, take time to reflect. Rewatch favorite performances, share what surprised you most, or vote on a “family MVP” athlete. You might even set goals inspired by the Olympics, such as trying a new sport, practicing more consistently, or simply being more active outdoors.
Keep the TV on, the snacks flowing, and the cheers loud. Somewhere on the ice in Italy, a New Jersey teenager is representing your community on the world stage and your family living room just might be the most heartfelt fan section of all.
