One Word At A Time: Games

By Ginny (MAD21)

I've written before about how you can use games to teach your kids. But in general, I love to play. When it comes to family entertainment and children's ministries, I am commonly known as the "game keeper." It probably has to do with the fact that for years, whenever there was any kind of gathering whether family or ministry, you would usually find me playing with the kids. Generally it has always been where I felt the most comfortable.

I was the recreation director at a summer camp for seven years where I spent the week doing such things as filling water balloons for a wet version of sharks and minnows, playing caterpillar kickball, and providing an afternoon of fun on a 100 foot slip-n-slide; we had an annual kid's night out at our church where I built a maze out of about 12 rolls of duct tape and 24 wardrobe boxes that filled our sanctuary (it even had dead ends!). I could go on and on about all the fun I've had over the years in ministry. But honestly, even though it was a great time, the bottom line was that playing games with the kids helped to build relationships and trust between themselves and the leaders.

The same is true with family. I have found that the more time I spend just playing and talking with my kids, the more likely they are to listen to me, and the better they treat each other overall. We all learn about patience, taking turns, and being a good sport. The more face-time we all get, the better.

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Life Is Funny: Look Mummy!

By MAD21

I took my daughters to a birthday party this weekend. It was the usual thing: cake, presents, swimming... and games. One of the games the kids played started them off in pairs and a roll of toilet paper. I'm sure you've probably seen it... one person is the mummy that stands totally still, and the other one wraps them up in toilet paper. The first group to wrap their team mate up with the entire roll of toilet paper, wins.

Let's just say that my six and four year old OWNED this game. You would have thought that they had practiced before hand they had it down so perfectly. But they have only played this game one other time, and that was a year ago with the same friends.

We all laughed so hard. It was awesome. As great as it was to see the girls cooperate to win a game, it was even better to see the smiling eyes and cheeks peering out from under the toilet paper, listening to the giggles of her older sister as she ran around and around covering every last inch of her body.

I suppose on some level this was a way for my oldest to get back at her sister for knocking her tooth out last week. I can live with this payback.

My friend and fellow blogger Wendy at Weight..What? has a fun carnival at her blog called "Life is Funny." Every Monday we talk about something in life that we find funny. Be sure to go visit her blog to read her post along with links to other blogs who are participating.

Works For Me Wednesday: Using Games To Teach

By MAD21

I have worked with children for years and have found that one of the best ways to teach children is through games. If they are having fun it not only holds their interest, but it makes them want to learn more.

One of my favorite ways to teach them how to listen to you and be tuned into your voice, is by playing a version of: Red Light Green Light. The game can be played the traditional way, but in real life, where we are rushing around and there is no time and not enough friends to play with, you can play the game while just walking or running.

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Works For Me Wednesday: Game Storage

By MAD21

We've been looking for ideas regarding storage/functionality while creating a playroom in our house. I've written before about the fight to keep our house from turning into a giant toy box. I'm always looking for good ideas regarding how to make toys accessible but also easily storable.

We came across an idea that totally fits within those needs, but is also an awesome idea regarding decorating the playroom itself.

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What Does Your Family Do For Fun?

By Kevin (Shooting the Breeze)

I believe that it is very important for families to have fun together. As the old adage goes “A family that plays together stays together” (that is an old adage, right?) This is so true. Having fun together helps build a healthy family. Having fun together helps develop a healthy family image – a family that the kids and parents are excited to be a part of. Here are some of the things that we do for fun as a family:

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