Total Utter Chaos

Also known as Make Up The Rules As You Go Along

ADDED March 06, 2009

kids games

If you've been reading our blog for a while, you know that we occasionally present ideas that may rile up the kids and -- if you're not careful -- may lead to total utter chaos.

Well, we don't want things to get out of control. Really. We want you and your kids to have fun, but we don't want too much wildness and craziness. We do want you to be the parent and to be in charge.

Today's game, though, involves throwing some rules out the window and being as creative as you guys can be! It is a great fun activity for stuck-inside rainy days.

Round up the kids and get a couple board games. Get the pieces out of the boxes and you're ready to play. You could also add some cards, some extra dice, some spoons -- whatever your creative geniuses think up!

The point with this activity is to play without rules. Or rather, with any rules that grab your kids' fancy. This activity allows your kids to create their own rules for a change and to be spontaneous.

Here are some ideas for some fun rules for you to try:

1. Every three minutes, everyone switches pieces.
2. Place two or three boards from board games together. Pieces should bounce from board to board.
3. Roll some dice whenever you want.
4. Everyone switch chairs.
5. Before you take your turn, do a dance.
6. When someone says "smiggy bop," everyone move back one space.
7. The "loser" wins. Everybody gets a cookie.

You guys can be as crazy and silly as you want. What other rules can your kids come up with?

Be creative and see what interesting rules you guys can create. And once you're done with your hodgepodge make-it-up-as-you go game, choose a boardgame with the kids and play by the rules. Compare the game by the rules versus the game without the rules. Spontaneity is fun, but rules can be comforting and fun, too!

(For another creative, Today Is Fun twist on board games, check out our popular big-as-a-house game.)

Oh, and we do have one final rule to propose: everybody have a great weekend!

(Game photo courtesy of dougww.)