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Hey Dad,

I'll be the first to admit—I don't like board games. I was raised in the 70's. We did TV. TV was easy. We turned it on, plopped down on a bright orange-and-green couch, and watched our favorite people … the Bradys, the Flintstones, and of course, Mr. Rodgers and Captain Kangaroo. It was wonderful.

Board games involve setting up pieces, strategy, and THINKING. There are no comforting laugh tracks or singing puppets … just your own family members sitting around a square piece of cardboard moving plastic houses and metal thimbles.

Don't get me wrong. Now that I'm a father, I think playing games as a family is 50 times better than sitting around watching TV … but it still doesn't sound fun. The first thing I hear when someone says board game is BORED game.

But yesterday, my son Ben (age 10) asked if we could have a championship board game night tonight. He's got it all figured out. We'll each play a different board game and have some kind of elimination contest until there is only one winner left standing.

You should have seen the look on his face when he asked. He was so excited. Unlike his old dad, he is not a TV kid (he doesn't even know who the Flintstones are). To him, playing a game is about the best family time he can imagine. We roll the dice, move the pieces, and laugh (no sound track this time).

How could I say no? So … tonight we're having a championship board-game match. He's pumped … I'm dreading it.

BUT, I know that once we get started, it won't be as bad as I anticipate. In fact, deep down (really, really deep down), I know that we're going to have a great night tonight. Maybe I'll even print a ribbon off my computer for the champion. Whoever wins will stick it on his bulletin board as a reminder of the fun we had … which will assure future board game championship matches … and my kids will grow up enjoying board games with their own families—not watching some other Hollywood family.

You know what? I would just about bet the farm that your kids would love to have a board game night at your house too.

Besides, misery loves company.

Keep your dice on the board.

You 'da dad!

©Copyright Todd Wilson, 2003. Used by permission.

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