ParentDish

ParentDishhttp://www.parentdish.comParentDishhttp://www.parentdish.com/media/feedlogo.gifParentDishhttp://www.parentdish.comen-usCopyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/How to Play Quidditchhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/22/how-to-play-quidditch/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/22/how-to-play-quidditch/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/22/how-to-play-quidditch/#commentsFiled under: Activities: Big Kids, Activities: Tweens, Summer Fun

Just because "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2," the final movie in the Harry Potter series, has already been released, doesn't mean you can't still have a little magical fun inspired by the boy wizard on your own.

Round up your pals, head to a park or big open space and set up your own game of Quidditch. You'll need 15 players, plus a referee, hula hoops, a bunch of brooms, balls and other gear -- but this game is strictly for Muggles -- the brooms don't have to fly and the balls don't need to be magical.

Costumes are optional, but if you're gonna set up the game and round up the players, we say go big. Harry would definitely approve. Here's how to play.

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]]>harry potterhow to play quidditchquidditchLesley KennedyFri, 22 Jul 2011 11:00:00 ESTHow to Make the Best of Summer 'Down Time'http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/15/how-to-make-the-best-of-summer-down-time/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/15/how-to-make-the-best-of-summer-down-time/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/15/how-to-make-the-best-of-summer-down-time/#commentsFiled under: Activities: Toddlers & Preschoolers, Activities: Big Kids, Activities: Tweens, Summer Fun

Sometimes, we get so caught up in planning summer activities that we forget about the simple ways to have fun in the sun. Whatever happened to just relaxing by the pool? So, in between vacation and summer camp, here a few ways to enjoy your summer "down time":

1. Go swimming! But don't forget to remind your kids to drink water while out at the pool -- it's easy to get dehydrated in the summer heat.

2. Plant a vegetable garden. Make sure to water your plants regularly.

3. Go for a run, conduct a relay race, be active. Staying active boosts vitamin D and improves sleep and your mood.

4. Read a masterpiece. Pick up that book you've always meant to read. Encourage your kids to read your favorite childhood classic, too.

5. Go camping in your own back yard. Hold a contest to see who can catch the most fireflies.

6. Star gaze. Use a star chart to find constellations.

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]]>summer funways to have fun in the summerJessica SamakowFri, 15 Jul 2011 10:00:00 ESTCreative Summer Games: How Kids Can Entertain Themselveshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/13/creative-summer-games-how-kids-can-entertain-themselves/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/13/creative-summer-games-how-kids-can-entertain-themselves/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/13/creative-summer-games-how-kids-can-entertain-themselves/#commentsFiled under: Activities: Big Kids, Activities: Tweens

Most kids count down the days until summer vacation in anticipation of three months of carefree fun. But it doesn't take long for parents to realize there are only so many hours of the day they can spend at the pool. You see, summer also is a time when boredom can take over.

Dr. Michelle Borba, author of "The Big Book of Parenting Solutions" lends some tips to help kids learn how to entertain themselves and keep them from whining about having nothing to do. And, as she says, it's equally important to keep learning in tact so their brains don't turn to mush.

Here are some ideas:

Create a summer activity box. Brainstorm activities that kids can do on their own: Build a fort, read a book, go on a nature walk. Write each idea on a slip and drop it in the box. Point to the box at the onset of boredom.
Start a journal. Kids can write, sketch and doodle; it's a great way to track summer memories.
Buy fun, educational gadgets. The MobiGo is perfect for younger kids.

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]]>games for kidsKids gamesJessica SamakowWed, 13 Jul 2011 10:00:00 ESTHow to Limit What Kids Watch on TVhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/29/how-to-limit-what-kids-watch-on-tv/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/29/how-to-limit-what-kids-watch-on-tv/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/29/how-to-limit-what-kids-watch-on-tv/#commentsFiled under: Media, Gadgets, Movies, Video Games, Activities: Toddlers & Preschoolers, Activities: Big Kids, Activities: Tweens, Activities: Teens

Limit What Kids Watch

Limit the amount of time your child spends in front of screen with the help of these tips! Credit: Getty Images

Between the computer, the TV, the DS, and the Wii, a lot of screens are vying for your kids' attention. Parents try lots of different things to limit screen time -- everything from outright bans to "only on weekends" to setting a timer. Being The Enforcer of Screen Time Limits may solve your "right now" goal of getting kids to turn off. But raising kids with an understanding of healthy screen limits and the ability to self-regulate takes a little more work.

Like everything in parenting, media management is a process -- one that requires balancing your long-range goals with the daily reality of the various devices in your kids' lives. Here's an age-by-age media-management plan with some practical tips to try along the way.

Preschool age. Creating consistent, healthy media habits starting when kids are just beginning to be exposed to screens is essential. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises no more than 1 to 2 hours per day of total screen time for children older than 2 (and zero screen time for children under 2). Use that as a maximum amount and work down from there to find the amount that feels appropriate in your family, factoring in all the things required for healthy preschool brain, body, and social development.

Provide distractions. Diversions work well for this age group -- and preschoolers love to help out. At dinner time, instead of busying them with the TV while you cook, ask them to sort all your pots and pans from biggest to smallest.

Practice togetherness. What kids this age need is a close, loving relationship with an active, involved caregiver. It's actually OK to do nothing but count dust bunnies, as long as you're together.

Do activities. Find a book of rainy-day activities that use household objects for easy little projects you can set up (and clean up!) easily.

Elementary and Middle school. At this age, friends take on a much more significant role in kids' lives. Kids also begin to develop their own interests -- some of which they might want to research on the computer. Explaining the reasons why you're choosing to limit screen time will help your kid begin to understand the consequences of their choices. Help them understand that spending excessive amounts of time in front of a screen impacts their ability to develop a rich and full life -- and takes precious, non-retrievable time away from all the things they need to do (like eat, sleep, do homework, read, and play sports).

Delegate chores. Working parents can feel guilty asking kids to do chores, but it's actually really good for them -- and it helps you, too. Just remember to keep them manageable.

Schedule play dates. If kids are going to use the computer or game console, invite a friend (or two) and make it social. That removes the isolating aspect of gaming, which can lead to game addiction, loss of empathy, and social withdrawal.

Grant privileges. Use screen time as a goal that kids have to work for.

Encourage creativity. If kids start exploring digital arts, encourage some of the off-line aspects, like drawing, sketching scenes, writing, costume design, etc.

High school. Teenagers still haven't developed the judgment to always make great decisions, but they're smart enough to understand the influences of risky practices. For high schoolers, you'll have more success if you explain the reasons why too much screen time is harmful. For example, too much exposure to violent video games raises aggression and lowers empathy. Your kids may actually be able to see evidence of this in their peers who spend too much time playing games.

Don't give up. Continue to require household participation like chores, and maybe up the ante by asking teens to make dinner once a week and do their own laundry.

Make quality choices. You still have a say in what they see, hear, and play. Put in your two cents about the importance of quality media.

Keep up grades. Pull back on screen time if grades are slipping.

Every family will have different amounts of time that they think is "enough." What's important is giving it some thought, creating age-appropriate limits (with built-in flexibility for special circumstances), making media choices you're comfortable with, and modeling responsible screen limits for your kids.

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]]>Limit What Kids Watchscreensthe editors at Common Sense MediaWed, 29 Jun 2011 09:30:00 ESTGet Your Child Offline and Outdoorshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/28/get-your-child-offline-and-outdoors/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/28/get-your-child-offline-and-outdoors/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/28/get-your-child-offline-and-outdoors/#commentsFiled under: Activities: Toddlers & Preschoolers, Activities: Big Kids, Expert Advice: Big Kids, Activities: Tweens, Expert Advice: Tweens, Expert Advice: Teens, Summer Fun

kid playing outside

Summer offers a great time to enjoy your children -- unplugged. Credit: Getty Images

The average American kid practically lives plugged in.

That's not an exaggeration, either. A report by the Kaiser Family Foundation estimates kids ages 8 to 18 spend an average of seven and a half hours a day with cells phones, computers, televisions and other electronic devices.

That means the only things keeping kids away from electronic devices are eating, sleeping and school. And, during the summer months, of course, you can generally remove school from the equation.

So, does that mean we are bequeathing our planet to a race of junior cyborgs who can only appreciate a bird if it's electronic, angry and part of a computer game?

There are ways get kids offline and plugged back into the real world. Dr. Amy Wickstrom, a family therapist, blogger and mother of two, tells ParentDish it sometimes is a matter of if you can't beat them, join them.

"So many kids are becoming eReaders, parents can take their kids to the local library to pick out a book and read it together there," Wickstrom says. "Many libraries have special rooms just for children that are filled with toys and sometimes a stage with props for story time."

Wickstrom tells ParentDish this helps engage children their imaginations, spend quality time with a parent and develop their reading skills. And, there is another purpose in this age when kids are turning their backs to ink on paper to gaze relentlessly at screens.

"It also keeps them accustomed to old fashioned books instead of eBooks," Wickstrom says.

Wickstrom, who has been a contributor to Working Mother, OC Family and more, tells ParentDish it's important to get kids engaged in the real world.

And what do you know? There's an app for that.

The website Kidoff.com offers free software to boot your kid off the computer and say enough is enough. You want your kid to shut "Grand Theft Auto XI: I Kill Your Grandmother" off (don't get excited, kids. It's just a hypothetical game)?

You tell your kid one more minute, but before you know it, hours have gone by. The streets are running red with the blood of virtual grannies. You start yelling. Your kid starts yelling. Everyone is in a bad mood. Ah, but there's this software.

It lets your kids go ahead with their game, but from time to time, you can "talk" to your child's computer from another computer in the house. The kids don't even know. You can see how long they've been using the computer and send warnings to their screen.

And, when their time is up, it evens sends out an audible alarm. "Danger! Danger, Will Robinson!" (Well, maybe not that message.) You can make the computer shut down.

Such power. Feel free to laugh fiendishly.

But what do you do with your kids once you get them offline and outdoors? For that information, turn to the National Wildlife Federation and its "Be Out There" campaign. The effort urges parents to give their children a "green hour" each day.

The means one hour every day outdoors engaged in unstructured play.

One possibility is camping. You don't have to go to Yellowstone, either. You can camp out in your own backyard. The website for the Great American Backyard Campout offers some suggestions.

You've probably already heard of geocaching, where participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or mobile device and other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers called "geocaches" or "caches."

Believe it or not, people used to do this sort of thing well before the invention of GPS systems and all the contrapulatronic gizmos of the 21st century. It was called letterboxing. You simply hide an object and challenge others to find it by the use of clues.

Think of it like solving math problems -- without a calculator.

National Wildlife Federation leaders say this is a great way to have fun with kids outdoors, get some exercise and work on skills such as problem solving, map reading and math. They also suggest kids making a nature map of their neighborhood to learn how to define their own special natural places.

Donald Roberts, a Stanford communications professor emeritus and one of the authors of the Kaiser Family Foundation study, tells The New York Times it's important for parents to be more aware of how technology is sucking children away from the real world.

"Parents never knew as much as they thought they did about what their kids are doing," he says. "But now we've created a world where they're removed from us that much more."

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]]>kids outsidekids playoutdoorssummer breaksummer vacationtechnologyunpluggingTom HendersonTue, 28 Jun 2011 10:00:00 ESTTop 10 Social Sites for Kidshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/27/top-10-social-sites-for-kids/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/27/top-10-social-sites-for-kids/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/27/top-10-social-sites-for-kids/#commentsFiled under: Media, Activities: Big Kids, Activities: Tweens

Believe it or not, Facebook and Twitter aren't the only cool social networking sites on the Web. But before you register for any of these sites, be sure to read our Social Networking Tips and share them with your kid, so the whole family is on the same page about safe and responsible social networking behavior.

scuttlepad

Credit: amazon.com

ScuttlePad (2010): Social network with training wheels is safe, but limited. Ages 7+

Credit: amazon.com

Togetherville (2010): Kids' social site connects to parents' Facebook friends. Ages 7+

my secret circle

Credit: amazon.com

My Secret Circle (2009): Invitation-only social network limited to real-life friends. Ages 8+

Credit: amazon.com

Yoursphere (2009): Kid-only social network promises to block dangerous adults. Ages 9+

Credit: amazon.com

GiantHello (2010): Facebook-lite gets a lot right, but watch out for games. Ages 10+

Credit: amazon.com

Sweety High (2010): Fun, closed social network for girls is strong on privacy. Ages 11+

Credit: amazon.com

Imbee (2011): Safer social networking if parents stay involved. Ages 12+

Credit: amazon.com

Glogster (2009): Creative social site tainted by some bad apples. Ages 13+

Credit: amazon.com

Posterous (2009): Privacy settings and ease of use make blogging site a hit. Ages 13+

Credit: amazon.com

YourCause (2009): An easy, fun, socially networked way to fundraise. Ages 13+

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]]>Social Networking for Kidssocial networking sitesthe editors at Common Sense MediaMon, 27 Jun 2011 11:00:00 ESTHow to Play: Siamese Gift Wraphttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/13/siamese-gift-wrap-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/13/siamese-gift-wrap-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/13/siamese-gift-wrap-game/#commentsFiled under: Kids' Games, Activities: Toddlers & Preschoolers, Activities: Big Kids, Activities: Tweens, Activities: Family Time

Wrap it up! Credit: mattbuck4950, Flickr

What you need: Wrapping paper, tape, scissors, bows and presents or empty boxes.

How to play: Pair up players, and let them know that they will be competing against each other, two pairs at a time, wrapping gifts.

The rules: What they don't know is that they are wrapping the gift with only one hand per person. Have each player stand beside his or her partner, and place each player's inside arm around the waist of his or her partner. Each pair must work together to wrap their gift. The object is to see which Siamese team can wrap the present the best in the allotted time (five minutes or less).

How to win: The pair with the best-wrapped present wins.

Related: More Kids Games

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]]>christmas gamesevergreenholiday gamesSiameseGiftWrapSally WorshamMon, 13 Jun 2011 07:00:00 ESTHow to Help Summer Learning Go Onhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/10/summer-learning-go-on/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/10/summer-learning-go-on/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/10/summer-learning-go-on/#commentsFiled under: Education: Big Kids, Activities: Big Kids, Education: Tweens, Activities: Tweens, Education: Teens, Activities: Teens

Click here for a sneak peek of one of our favorite documentaries, "Spellbound."

Summer learning

Carefully chosen books, movies and games can get your kids learning. Credit: Getty Images

How do you prevent kids' brains from turning to mush over the summer? Well-chosen books, movies, games, websites, apps and TV shows that slip in some lessons along with the entertainment.

Here's what our editors love for summer learning.

TO WATCH

On TV

Best Educational TV Shows
Shhh! Don't tell them it's educational -- just let them learn while they watch.

"The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That"
Everyone's favorite feline makes natural science fun for kids.

"Word Girl"
Fighting the bad guys with a silver-tongue -- now that's smart!

On DVD

Best Documentaries
Few stories are as affecting and inspirational as the true ones that take place in the world every day.

"Under the Sea 3D"
Next time they go to the beach, your kids will certainly have lots to say about what's below the surface of the ocean.

"Young Mr. Lincoln"
Rather than a bloated, boring biopic, this is a thoroughly engaging glimpse into the iconic president's early years.

TO READ

Best Educational Books
During the summer, kids can take their time exploring subjects like math, science and history at their own pace.

"Of Thee I Sing"
A diverse selection of American heroes profiled by Barack Obama offers kids a wide range of inspirational stories.

"Goddess Girls: Athena the Wise"
Let your kids disappear in Ancient Greece with this updated version of the Greek myth.

TO PLAY

Free Educational Games
From word problems to weather to world hunger, these free games offer lots to learn.

Starfall
This outstanding learn-to-read site is sure to engage little ones.

Ansel & Clair's Adventures in Africa
This educational adventure app introduces kids to the three major regions of Africa.

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]]>Summer Learningthe editors at Common Sense MediaFri, 10 Jun 2011 12:00:00 ESTHow to Play: Euchrehttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/10/euchre-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/10/euchre-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/10/euchre-game/#commentsFiled under: Kids' Games, Activities: Toddlers & Preschoolers, Activities: Big Kids, Activities: Tweens, Activities: Family Time

Get three "tricks" and win the game! Credit: Getty Images

What you need: You need four players and a deck of 24 standard playing cards consisting of the aces, kings, queens, jacks, 10, and 9 of each of the four suits. A standard 52-card deck can be used, omitting the cards from 2 to 8 of each suit.

How to play: The four players divide into two groups of partners. Someone is chosen to be the dealer, and deals five cards to each player. The remaining four cards are placed in a pile, and the top card is turned face up. The dealer asks each of the other players in turn if they would like the suit of the top card to be trump, which they indicate by saying "pick it up" and the top card becomes part of the dealer's hand, who then discards to return his hand to five cards. If no one "orders up" the top card, each player is given the opportunity in turn to call a different suit as trump. Once trump is declared, play starts with the person to the left of the dealer. It is his or her lead. That player chooses one of the five cards from his or her hand and plays it. Play continues to the left with each player playing a card. At the end, whoever won the trick takes the cards and now has the "lead." This continues until all five "tricks" have been played and the team that took three of the five wins the hand. Points are awarded accordingly.

The rules: Once trump is declared, the jack of trump is the highest card or "the right bower," and the second highest card is the jack of the same color as trump, or "the left bower." Value then continues from Ace to 9 of trump, then from Ace to 9 of all the other suits. The card that is led, becomes the suit of that hand, if the other players have a card of that suit, they must "follow suit" and play that; multiple cards may be chosen between. If a player does not have any of the "led" suit, that player may "trump" the trick in attempt to take it, or "lay off" and play another non-trump suit. At the end of a trick the highest trump takes the trick, or in the case of a no-trump trick, the highest card of the lead suit takes the trick.

How to win: Once all tricks have been played, whichever pair of partners has taken three tricks has "won" the hand. If the team that declared trump wins the hand by taking three or four tricks, they receive one point. Should they take all five tricks, they have "marched" and receive two points. If the team that did not declare trump takes three or more tricks, then they have "set" or "euchred" their opponents. They receive two points. If a player takes all five "alone," that team receives four points. If the player takes three or four tricks, that team gets one point. Getting euchred on a loner is still two points for the other team. The first team to amass 10 points in this fashion wins the game.

What else you need to know: Euchre has many variations and quite a complex terminology. For complete rules of variations and a glossary of Euchre terms, check out Pagat's Euchre Rules.

Related: More Kids Games

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]]>Anacondacard gameseuchreevergreenGin RummypokerSally WorshamFri, 10 Jun 2011 07:00:00 ESTHow to Play: Passwordhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/09/password-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/09/password-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/09/password-game/#commentsFiled under: Kids' Games, Activities: Toddlers & Preschoolers, Activities: Big Kids, Activities: Tweens, Activities: Family Time

Don't tell the password! Credit: Getty Images

What you need: At least four players and a pack of Password cards.

How to play: Divide into teams of two - one player will be "A" and the other player will be "B." Divide the cards, giving the "A" cards to the "A" players and the "B" cards to the "B" players. Teams will take turns with the "A" players giving clues to the words on the cards to the "B" players in a time limit. Then, after going through the clues for all five words on the "A" cards, the players will switch roles. Game play continues for three rounds of both players giving the other clues.

The rules: Clue givers cannot say any form of the word in a clue. If they do, that word is thrown out and no points will be received. Guessers can pass on words and come back to them if there is time left. Players get five points for each word guessed. The last word on the card is worth 10 points.

How to win: Be the team with the most points after three rounds of play.

What else you need to know: You can make your own Password cards by writing five words per card.

Related: More Kids Games

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]]>celebrity gamecharadesevergreeni spypassword gameSally WorshamThu, 09 Jun 2011 07:00:00 ESTHow to Play: Ranter-Go-Roundhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/08/ranter-go-round-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/08/ranter-go-round-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/08/ranter-go-round-game/#commentsFiled under: Kids' Games, Activities: Toddlers & Preschoolers, Activities: Big Kids, Activities: Tweens, Activities: Family Time

Poker chips serve as "lives" in this game.

What you need: A standard deck of playing cards and tokens (poker chips, candy, pennies). Any number of players can play this game.

How to play: The object is not to have the lowest card at the table. Aces can be high or low. Each player receives two to four tokens to count as "lives." Each player is dealt one card, face down. Starting to the left of the dealer, each in turn examines his or her card. If a player is satisfied with her or her card, it may be kept, usually simply by announcing, "I'm good." However, if the player is unsatisfied, the card may be passed to the player on the left, announcing that he or she is "not good," and he or she receives that player's card back in return.

The player to the left is obliged to exchange for the unwanted card unless he or she currently holds a king -- at which time he or she can refuse the card by showing the card. That transaction completed, privilege now passes to the player to the left who may or may not have a new card to decide on. Players who have shown a king in defense are considered to have completed their play. Play continues to the left.

The rules: After all exchanges are completed, the players' cards are all turned face up, and the lowest at the table loses a token/life -- which he or she places into the central pot. Ties lose a life each. Once players lose all their lives, they are out of the game and only remaining players are dealt in for the next hand. Each hand, the dealer rotates to the next player to the left. Play continues until only one person with lives remains.

How to win: Be the last remaining player with a life or lives.

What else you need to know: There are many variations to this game, such as aces counting double lives and the highest card being avoided instead of the lowest card.

Related: More Kids Games

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]]>Anacondacard gamescrazy eightsevergreenranter-go-roundSally WorshamWed, 08 Jun 2011 07:00:00 ESTHow to Play: Out of the Waterhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/07/out-of-the-water-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/07/out-of-the-water-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/07/out-of-the-water-game/#commentsFiled under: Kids' Games, Activities: Toddlers & Preschoolers, Activities: Big Kids, Activities: Tweens, Activities: Family Time

ball picture

Toss the garbage! Credit: Alexander Joe, AFP/Getty Images

What you need: You will need a long rope (about 30 feet), two pairs of swimming fins, 10 balls, and two trashcans.

How to play: Divide the children into two teams of three to six players. Set up the trashcans about 40 feet apart from each other.

The rules: Tie opposite ends of the rope around both of the first players on each team. These players will put on the swimming fins. Each player gets five balls, and he will try to toss them into his team's trashcan. Each team gets one point for each ball thrown into the trashcan. After these players have completed their task, the next two players will go. Play continues until all players have gone.

How to win: The team with the most points at the end of the game is the winning team.

What else you need to know: Allow enough rope so that it will be short and the competitors will have to pull against each other to reach the task.

Related: More Kids' Games

Continue reading How to Play: Out of the Water

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]]>indoor and outdoor gamesIndoorAndOutdoorGamesout of the waterOutOfTheWaterrelay raceRelayRaceSally WorshamTue, 07 Jun 2011 07:00:00 ESTHow to Play: Blind Man's Bluffhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/06/blind-mans-bluff-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/06/blind-mans-bluff-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/06/blind-mans-bluff-game/#commentsFiled under: Kids' Games, Activities: Toddlers & Preschoolers, Activities: Big Kids, Activities: Tweens, Activities: Family Time

No peeking! Credit: Getty Images

What you need: A blindfold and a spacious area (outdoors or a large room).

How to play: Designate one person as "it." Put a blindfold on "it," spin the person around, and send him or her out into the group of people, who scatter to avoid being tagged. Players can tease "it" by trying to make him or her change direction.

The rules: Who will be "it" can be determined by a counting-out game, such as One Potato.

How to win: Avoid the person who is "it."

What else you need to know: In one variation, the game lasts until everyone has been tagged, and the last person to be tagged is "it" in the next round. In another version, "it" feels the face of the person tagged and tries to guess who that person is. Marco Polo is a variation played in a swimming pool.

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]]>blind mans bluffevergreeni spymarco poloone potatoSally WorshamMon, 06 Jun 2011 07:00:00 ESTHow to Play: Cakewalkhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/03/cakewalk-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/03/cakewalk-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/03/cakewalk-game/#commentsFiled under: Kids' Games, Activities: Toddlers & Preschoolers, Activities: Big Kids, Activities: Tweens, Activities: Family Time

Cakewalks are popular at fundraisers. Credit: Getty Images

What you need: A path of up to 20 numbered squares, music to play during the game and prizes (typically a cake, but other treats or items can also serve as the prize).

How to play: When the music starts playing, children walk around the path, stepping on one numbered square at a time. When the music stops, everyone must stop walking, and a number is called out. Whoever is standing on that number wins the prize.

The rules: Winning numbers should be drawn out of a hat or fishbowl for the sake of fairness.

How to win: Be the person standing on the square of the number that is called out.

What else you need to know: This is a great game for school fundraisers -- sell tickets to participants.

Related: More Kids Games

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]]>birthday party gamescakewalkevergreenfundraisingSally WorshamFri, 03 Jun 2011 07:00:00 ESTHow to Play: Forcing the City Gateshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/02/forcing-the-city-gates-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/02/forcing-the-city-gates-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/02/forcing-the-city-gates-game/#commentsFiled under: Kids' Games, Activities: Toddlers & Preschoolers, Activities: Big Kids, Activities: Tweens, Activities: Family Time

Celebrate Chinese New Year with this Red Rover-like game. Credit: Getty Images

What you need: All you need is enough children to form two teams of at least four people each.

How to play: In this Chinese New Year variation of Red Rover, players divide up into teams. The two teams face each other, standing a few yards apart. The first team links arms and chants, "He stuck a feather in his hat and hurried to the town. And children met him with a horse for the gates were broken down." A player from the other team runs with all of his or her force towards the first team, trying to break through the arm links.

The rules: If the player successfully breaks through, the two players who he or she broke through will join the other team. If the player does not break through, he or she must join that team. The game continues from team to team until there is a winning team.

How to win: Be able to keep players from breaking through arm links, keeping your team intact.

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]]>Chinese New Yearevergreenforcing the city gatesholiday gamesred-roverSally WorshamThu, 02 Jun 2011 07:00:00 ESTVideo Games Make Kids Fat? Well, Yes and Nohttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/01/video-games-make-kids-fat/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/01/video-games-make-kids-fat/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/01/video-games-make-kids-fat/#commentsFiled under: In The News, Video Games, Activities: Big Kids, Activities: Tweens, Activities: Teens

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Playing interactive video games helps kids stay fit. Credit: Getty Images

Playing video games makes kids fat.

So say researchers at the Eastern Ontario Research Institute in Canada who ... ZAP!

Oops, those guys just got vaporized by researchers at Auckland University in New Zealand, who say playing interactive video games actually helps kids stay fit.

According the New Zealand Herald, researchers looked at 320 kids ages 10 to 14 and found that all leaping and swinging in PlayStation 3 helped them lose a small but definite amount of weight and helped them ... ZAP!

The Canadians are back. They got a second life.

Reuters news service reports those researchers looked at 22 teenage boys with normal weights and found they eat more in an hour of gaming than during the rest of the day combined. They also tend to eat bigger lunches after playing video games.

On average, teenage gamers pack away 163 more calories on days spent with aliens, ogres and orcs.

But just hold your orcs. Here come the New Zealanders, waving data like the Seven Flaming Rings of Raggador.

They say the kids who played dancing, tennis and boxing games put on weight more slowly than the more slothful control groups. All kids gain weight, of course. They're growing. But singing and dancing gamers put on weight at a healthier rate.

Lead New Zealand researcher Ralph Maddison tells the Herald the lesson here is clear. If you're going to kill an ogre, at least swing the virtual sword with your own arm. Don't let a joystick or push button do your dirty work.

"Parents may have more success encouraging the substitution of sedentary video games with more active ones, instead of trying to stop children and young people from gaming altogether," he tells the Herald.

In that regard, New Zealand and Canadian researchers are reading from the same page. Or sacred scrolls, for you gamers out there.

Video games will make you fat unless they make you move.

Related: Video Gamers: The Overeating Defenders of the Universe

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]]>childhood obesityfithealthylkvideo gamesTom HendersonWed, 01 Jun 2011 11:30:00 ESTHow to Play: Knocking the Stickhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/01/knocking-the-stick-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/01/knocking-the-stick-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/01/knocking-the-stick-game/#commentsFiled under: Kids' Games, Activities: Toddlers & Preschoolers, Activities: Big Kids, Activities: Tweens, Activities: Family Time

Knock the stick over the line to win. Credit: Getty Images

What you need: Two sticks and chalk for drawing lines.

How to play: Draw two lines with chalk on the ground 8 feet apart. On one of the lines, place one of the sticks. The object is to move the stick over the line by throwing the other stick at it.

The rules: You must stand behind the line when throwing the stick.

How to win: Be the player who knocks the stick over the line the most times.

What else you need to know: Sticks should be 10 to 15 inches long.

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]]>Chinese New Yearevergreenholiday gamesKnockingTheStickstriking the stickSally WorshamWed, 01 Jun 2011 07:00:00 ESTHow to Play: Heartshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/31/hearts-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/31/hearts-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/31/hearts-game/#commentsFiled under: Kids' Games, Activities: Toddlers & Preschoolers, Activities: Big Kids, Activities: Tweens, Activities: Family Time

Do you heart hearts? Credit: Getty Images

What you need: Four players and a standard deck of playing cards.

How to play: All the cards are dealt to each player, so players have 13 cards. During the first round of play, players select three of their cards to pass face down to the player on their left. Once they have done that, they can pick up the three cards that are being passed to them. In the second round, players choose three cards to pass to the player on their right. The third round, players pass three cards to the person sitting opposite of them. No cards are passed on the fourth round. The cycle then repeats with the fifth hand. The player with the two of clubs must lead with it for the first trick. There are no trump cards. You should follow suit of the lead card if you are able to. The player who played the highest valued card wins the trick. Once all the cards have been played, players who have a heart score one point. The unlucky person with the queen of spades scores 13 points. If a player wins all of the scoring cards, then he or she can either reduce their score by 26 or add 26 to all of the other player's scores. Play continues until one person reaches 100 points.

The rules: It is against the rules to play a heart as a lead if a heart hasn't been played in a trick. A player who has nothing but hearts in their hand can lead with a heart. Spades can be used as a lead card at anytime during the game. It's a common practice to lead with spades to smoke out the queen.

How to win: The player with the lowest amount of points wins the game.

What else you need to know: Some people treat the jack of diamonds as a bonus card, and it counts as a negative 10 points for the player left with this card.

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]]>card gameseuchreevergreenGin Rummygo fishheartsSally WorshamTue, 31 May 2011 07:00:00 ESTHow to Play: Kings in the Cornerhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/30/kings-in-the-corner-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/30/kings-in-the-corner-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/30/kings-in-the-corner-game/#commentsFiled under: Kids' Games, Activities: Toddlers & Preschoolers, Activities: Big Kids, Activities: Tweens, Activities: Family Time

Put your kings in the corners. Credit: Getty Images

What you need: Two to four players and a standard deck of playing cards.

How to play: Each player is dealt seven cards from the top of the deck. A game play "board" is then set up on the playing surface. Four cards are laid down, face up, in a plus pattern, with the remainder of the deck face down in the middle. In this fashion, there should be a card north, south, east and west of the deck with empty spaces in the "corners."

The player who takes the first turn is determined by each player drawing a random card from the deck; the player with the highest draw goes first. Each turn begins with the player drawing a card from the top of the deck. Players then attempt to discard from their hand by playing their cards in descending numerical order in the same suit using the cards on the "board" as a starting point. For instance, if there is a four of clubs on the playing board, a player can take a three of clubs from his or her hand and discard it onto that four, and so forth. Players can continue playing as many cards from their hand as are eligible for play in this fashion. If at any time a player has a king in his or her hand, he or she should place it in one of the empty corners. These corner stacks now become active in game play and cards can be played on them during turns in the same fashion as the normal game board.

The rules: The twist in the game comes when a space in any one of the four main game play slots becomes vacant. This happens when the highest card in the chain of cards in any slot is applicable to be played on top of the lowest card on any other slot on the board. For instance, if the cards on the northern slot are "five of diamonds, four of clubs, three of hearts" and the cards on the southern slot are "two of clubs, ace of hearts" then a player may move the cards from the Southern slot on top of those on the northern. Now there is a "vacancy" in the southern slot on the board. If a player accomplishes such a move during a turn, he or she now has the privilege of also being able to play cards from his or her hand in ascending order (in alternating colors) underneath the highest card in any stack on the board.

This method of play can only happen when a vacancy is in existence and only during the turn for which the vacancy exists. The player ends this turn by filling in the vacancy with any card or combinations of cards from his or her hand. If a player fails to pick at the beginning of his or her turn, another player can call him or her on it and the person loses his or her turn. Also, if a player fails to notice a move that could be completed on the open board, as soon as the active player "knocks" that he or she is finished, the first player to slap the cards that could have been played gets to complete the turn and set out as many of his or her cards as possible and still gets his turn when regular play resumes.

How to win: The first player to play all of his or her cards onto the board is the winner.

What else you need to know: Another way to play is to be dealt seven cards, and play the cards in your hand or draw from the deck until you have something to play. Each row of cards may be moved to another row if it is playable. That will also count as your turn if you have no more cards left. If another player finishes before you, you may make an attempt to tie. If playing with two people, the loser shuffles. If there is a tie, anyone can shuffle.

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]]>card gamesevergreenGin Rummykings in the cornerpokerSally WorshamMon, 30 May 2011 07:00:00 ESTHow to Play: Old Maidhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/27/old-maid-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/27/old-maid-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/27/old-maid-game/#commentsFiled under: Kids' Games, Activities: Toddlers & Preschoolers, Activities: Big Kids, Activities: Tweens, Activities: Family Time

Don't get stuck with the Old Maid! Credit: Getty Images

What you need: Two to eight players and a pack of Old Maid cards or a standard pack of playing cards. When using a regular deck, a card is either removed or added, resulting in one unmatchable card. The most popular choice is to remove the ace of clubs or queen of clubs or to add a single joker. The unmatchable card becomes the "Old Maid."

How to play: The dealer deals all of the cards to the players. Some players may have more cards than others; this is acceptable. Players look at their cards and discard any pairs they have (for example, two kings, two sevens, etc.) face up. Players do not discard three of a kind. Beginning with the dealer, each player takes turns offering his or her hand face down to the person on his or her left. That person selects a card and adds it to his or her hand. This player then sees if the selected card makes a pair with his or her original cards. If so, the pair is discarded face up, as well. The player who just took a card then offers his or her hand to the person to the left, and so on. A player is allowed to shuffle his or her hand before offering it.

The rules: In common variants, the suit colors of a discarded pair must match: spades with clubs and diamonds with hearts.

How to win: The object of the game is to continue to take cards, discarding pairs, until all players except one have no cards left. That one player left with the lone unmatchable card -- the "Old Maid" -- loses.

What else you need to know: There are many variations of this game, such as any card can be removed at the start of the game. That card is revealed at the end of the game, and the player left with its partner loses.

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]]>card gamescrazy eightsevergreenGin Rummyold maidSally WorshamFri, 27 May 2011 08:00:00 EST