By Caroline Knorr, www.commonsense.org

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Watching sports with your nieces and nephews is one of life’s great pleasures. If you’re usually careful about how much TV they watch, then the big game can be an exciting occasion—and something to savor instead of stress over. But as we all know, there are plenty of interferences to enjoying sports as a family: age-inappropriate commercials, unsportsmanlike conduct on the field, and waaay overdoing the tube time.

Keep these tips in mind to enrich your family’s sports watching.

1. Just say no to “enhancements.”
In other words, mute the commercials. Your nieces and nephews don’t need to see ads for Viagra, liquor, or other adult products advertised during sports events. Use the break to talk to the kids about the game instead.

2. Share your love of the game.
Involve your nieces and nephews in your enjoyment of the game. Many a fond memory has formed from the experience of watching the game and hanging out with Auntie!

3. Be a good sport.
Point out good sportsmanship (and call out sore losers). And remember, your nieces and nephews watch how you respond to the game—so emphasize athletic effort and teamwork.

4. Get in the game!
If it’s basketball you love, practice hoops by lobbing things in the trash. Use half-time to dribble a soccer ball around the living room. Or get outside and practice the sports you love to watch.

5. Have a game plan.
While you can’t always predict which team will stay in the playoffs, you can take advantage of your DVR or TiVo. Not everyone in the family will be into every game, and some won’t want to be “forced” to watch. As always, create balance.

Photo: stockimages
Published: May 21, 2013