Games

Games are amazing. We had two birthday parties today and the key to having fun was playing good games together- variations on tag and catch, and most important- run. When they were really involved in a game, the kids were fully absorbed- they weren't fighting, hungry, nothing was hurting (even when they actually fell), they weren't cold, and the rain made no difference. 

And after they were done, they were hungry and happy. Pizza and cake and call it a really nice day.

As adults, we don't really play those games anymore (though I paid an adult - and I'm not complaining! - a pretty penny to do so with my kids). The few times I've participated in tag- even of the simplest variety - it's been immensely appreciated and, though tiring, it's hard to say no fun. So maybe it's worth trying again. Or maybe dancing, apropos the last post, is a good grown-up substitute.

I discovered grown up games in Berlin, where I learned a few great card games and spent many nights - for much of the night - sipping wine or beer and playing. Skat or doppelkopf were favorites, variations on bridge (or vice versa?), but even the simple game of canasta was  fun.

It was a great way to be together without talking about all the regular stuff- to do something together, and to appreciate  talents of friends that are not always readily apparent. 

I also love that cards can be played easily among the generations- not just older people with older people, but kids with grandparents and everything in between. Once you get the rules, cleverness quickly rivals experience.

It's the same with chess. I used to marvel at how little kids could possibly be so good until someone told me that the reason children are not as good as we are at most things is not because of their lack of brain power, but their lack of experience in the world. With chess- there are a limited number of rules and once you master them, grown ups (at least normal ones, not of the chess master variety) have an equal chance to kids.

Games are really social and educational, and many people are increasingly looking to them as keys to better learning and societies. I appreciate that children and adults learn a great deal from play- about both the world and objects, and each other. And they are fun- it's such a great combination.