Civics Class and how it leads to Family Game Night.....

My oldest is taking Civics this semester. I took it as a Senior, but she is taking it as a Freshman. I like how she is doing it better. Civics is how ALOT of kids learn about how our Government works and taking it as a Senior, when thoughts of Graduation and Parties are on their mind, Civics gets a back seat....who am I kidding, Civics doesnt even get to get on the bus.... My Freshman child is taking is seriously. Seriously. SERIOUSLY.

That may have ALOT to do with who her parents are - Patriots - but I also think its because being so new in High School, all subjects are taken seriously. She doesnt have the jadedness that comes when you realize what class is important and what isnt - what class you are going to have to work on and which you can skate.

But her parents are Patriots. We eat dinner together just about EVERY NIGHT....6 out of 7 and at the least, 4/5 out of 7 (and this is rare). We discuss the Government - we discuss our Family Plans - we discuss the Constitution and her Amendments - we discuss the day's news. We will not raise uninformed kids. We will raise who can think for themselves, who can reason for themselves, who can defend their point of view while being able to see alternate points of view with respect. They will be able to reason why other points of view are relevant or not and express themselves accordingly.

We also play games - ALOT of games. In fact, we rush through dinner and I get a TON of help cleaning it up because we dont get to get out the games until the kitchen table is cleared off and the kitchen is clean.

The new family favorite is a game modeled after the book - A Dangerous Book for Boys. You move around a board having to compete in group activities - answer questions regarding History and what really amounts to Preparedness. You learn knots, Distress Flags, and what they call "Mental Agility," while trying to collect raft pieces to get off this island. Its a great game based on an even GREATER book....

If you have munchkins, check this game out. It took me a bit to learn how to play and we constantly refer back to the instructions because the game proceeds in regards to which cards you draw, so each game is different, with a different focus and some are hard. But it puts kids in a "Survival" mode during play with fun and friendly competition....

And no - I get nothing from the makers of this game, I dont sell the game...I am just a player - Plaaayah.....

Pray, Praise, Prepare and PLAY :)