Let the Games Begin!

Games are an important activity of many co-op get-togethers, children's birthday parties, family reunions and picnics. Sometimes getting them started can be a little shaky. Once on their way, contests usually have wings of their own.

"On the playground of life, game playing equips each of us with the 'rules...'" Bob Keeshan, Captain Kangaroo

Following are suggestions for easing sticky points:

• Choosing "It"

  Most youngsters do not want to be It. It is the runner, chaser, chooser, or guesser.

  Since volunteers are rare, several means have developed to decide.

  1) Simple--Everyone yells, "Not It!" The last one to say, "Not it" is It.

  2) Another stand-by--Someone shouts, "Last one to the _______(insert tree, bench, porch, etc.) is a rotten egg." --that is, It. All race to the named spot; the last one to reach it is It.

  3) "Rock, Paper, Scissors"--This is more efficient with smaller groups. Two children begin. The loser from the initial round plays another child, that loser players a third bout, and so on. The final loser is It.

  A refresher--To do "Rock, Paper, Scissors," three times one beats the fist of one hand into his palm. Then he holds out one hand (simultaneously with other players) with the symbol for either a rock (fist), paper (a flat palm) or scissors ( fore and middle fingers make a V).

  A rock can smash scissors.
  Scissors can cut paper.
  Paper can cover a rock.

  4) A familiar means--Draw straws or twigs or pencils. Anything handy can be used as long as all are the same with one exception. The one who picks the different one is It.

• Choosing Teams

  The children can count off. Depending on the number of teams needed, each child says a number--one, two, three--one, two, three, etc. The ones are one group, twos are a group, threes make up the last group.

  The best way to get evenly matched teams is for captains to choose their players. But how are captains decided?

  Once again, try to let the youngsters pick. Usually, they can handle this by consensus or vote.

  If it's the first time they have encountered organizing a game or it's a very young group, enthusiastically but discreetly help them. For older ones, just a nudge and a little direction will be sufficient. They catch on very quickly.

• Adults' Roles

Because of the preset rules, games run themselves...and it's good for children to have that freedom. However, a grown-up needs to be on hand--just in case.

If needed, adults can assist in the following ways:

• Start the contests as mentioned above.

• Also, a sticking point might be a subgroup that will obviously dominate the activities. Now, it's not a fault that they are naturally athletic or born leaders. In fact, we should celebrate and encourage their God-given talents.

  But it's beneficial to encourage general agreement about what game to play and remind everyone to take turns. These are group games, not sports competitions (which certainly have their place, just not here).

• Watch safety issues before contests start. Check for broken glass on the playing field, for example). But despite all precautions, bumps and bruises will occur. It's part of it.

  If it's hot and sunny, be sure water and sun screen are available.

• Explain the rules and boundaries, what the goals are, where the bases are, etc.

• If necessary, keep score or referee. Try to have a child do this. But if worse comes to worst, then do it, but, of course, very professionally, fairly.

• With little ones, an adult might need to actually play. Just assume a happy-go-lucky attitude and have fun.

Games are a wonderful and vital part of childhood. With just a tiny boost from parents, children run, jump, skip and hop with abandon into a memorable world of fantasy and excitement.

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