For Christmas, we bought our daughter the board game Candy Land. If it’s been a while since you’ve played, it’s great for kids – learning colors, direction, and taking turns. For adults, however, it’s mind numbing after about three minutes.
Just about the time I was slipping into a catatonic state, I noticed this amazing bit of marketing on the top corner of the lid.
Clever, isn’t it?
Pretty slick site Kyle…You do good work.
Very clever. Time together is what also forces me “criss-cross applesauce” to endure sheer agony. Our family favorite is Trouble. But we seem to have more “fun” pushing the popper to make the die jump around than actually concentrating on moving the little pieces around the board. And did you know that Trouble playing pieces fit perfectly on the ends of little fingers and make great imaginary painted fingernails? I try to focus on the smiles and giggles and not on the strategy of the game.
By the way, last time I checked the calendar, Christmas has not yet arrived. Opening presents a little early this year?
Are you referring to the fact the image implies their brand of games will bring joy and happiness? I wonder why they decided to make the two characters different colors.
Jim, Karen, and Mike, thanks for visiting the blog.
Mike, no, I was actually referring to the way the logo ever so slightly lays on the guilt. It almost says, “If you don’t play this game with your kids, you’re a terrible parent.” I mean, not that I wasn’t going to play the game with her. I paid money for the game, so of course we’re going to play it.
Amanda, I can totally relate to your comment. There are a lot of times when the directions have to go out the window to have fun.
My daughter really has that figured out – right this moment, there are four small toy figures propped upside down against the wall. I have no idea what she had in mind with this – Keri just found them this way after the kids were in bed.
About the gifts: We did our Tennessee Christmas early since we’ll be in Lubbock for the next few days.
After reading all these comments, I have to say that what I can relate with the most is how directions get hucked out the window, and imagination takes over. I am so used to doing everything “military-hospital-corners” style, that this strange “new” encounter I have had with Lathan, threw me for a loop. It’s always great following your blog, cause I find myself chuckling at how often I feel I can relate. Keep up the good work.
BJL
Kyle,
As you children grow older, my opinion is that you will make better sense of this marketing. Some of the best times spent in the Biddle household have been playing board games. It’s actually quite amazing. We have had HDTV for six years. A Nintendo Wii, 5 computers on a 1 Gig wired network on a 10 MBPS internet connection. We play laser tag on a weekly bases, but other than God time nothing brings a family closer together than a good board game.
Mike, don’t get me wrong. I was raised on board games, and I love them. Since we don’t have a TV, most of our our time is focused on creative play. It’s just that some games we play right now are a little more like “bored” games.
I like the image on the box because it’s a reminder that it’s not about me being entertained. It’s about being with my kids.
It’s amazing how much more you can do with your kids when they are able to read and they have basic math skills.
Did you get the no TV idea from Madonna? hehe Now I believe it’s time for a TV or no TV discussion. :-)
Kyle, I am with you on the “bored” games. Having a daughter close to the age of your daughter, I relate to the struggle of playing her games and not entering boredom. I always find myself steering her to the games I like. I have been convicted and will now sacrifice and play her games. I love spending time with her so it won’t hurt too bad!!!!