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Backyard Games
Hands-on Fun for Parents and Children By Mark Stackpole
his family. "What is really important is to provide a non-structured environment for playing," says Cava. "Let the kids create their own games and make up their own rules. In addition to fitness benefits, games teach fair play and how to get along with others."
Tried-and-true games such as tag and hide-and-go-seek never go out of style and can easily be modified depending on the age and number of players and the type of backyard a family has. Cava suggests a game of flashlight tag, which is a mix of both classics. One person is "it," closing his eyes and counting, while the other players hide. Rather than tag the seekers with a hand, "it" is armed with a flashlight and anybody hit with the beam of light is "out."
If you live in a more urban environment (i.e., you're short on backyard space), don't fear. "Raising a child in the city, we have not always had access to a backyard," says Peter Fox, a former chef and current full-time college student living in San Francisco, Calif. This did not stop him from making creative play a crucial element of his relationship with his son, Ian. "We have had hours of fun, play and interaction without a backyard and without having to spend a handsome sum on brightly colored toys," he says.
As a toddler, when he was presented with new toys or the boxes in which they arrived, Ian showed a definite preference for the boxes. Using this as inspiration, Fox saved a refrigerator box and turned it into a fort for his young son. "With a few cuts and a blanket or old pillow, we created a whole fantasy world that was large enough for the both of us," he says. The fact that it could be collapsed and stored under the couch when not in use was another bonus.
"Through play, we learn, and it is a great way to teach," says Fox. "Being able to share the time with my son is something that I will always remember."
The games may change, and the children may grow, but the playing will continue, generation after generation. You might not be a kid anymore, but when somebody knocks on your door and asks you to come out and play, you'd be wise to listen.
