Reintroducing Traditional - Childhood Games
Carolina Parent|June/July 2018

The value of skinned knees and other life lessons

Whitney Macdonald
Reintroducing Traditional - Childhood Games

There’s a shallow spot in the Eno River with a small rapid, a sandbar and a wide stretch of water that never gets over 3 feet deep. As the weather gets warmer, I often walk there with my dog and remember never-ending summer days I spent with my sons teaching them to swim, building dams in the rapids and racing stick boats through the channels of the rocks. Most of all, this will always be known as the place of the Monster House.

Across the river is an old cabin maintained by the North Carolina State Parks service. The doors and windows are gone, but it is otherwise well-maintained. A monster lives there. If you are touching the wall on the front porch you are safe — but if you venture into the house, or off the porch, the monster can catch you. If he catches you, you become the monster.

We played this simple game with tireless delight. To this day, just the mention of the Monster House brings smiles to our faces, and I occasionally take a picture of the house and send it to my boys, who now live far away. This, of course, is one variation of the traditional game of “tag” that fills many a childhood. All over the world children play the same games — slight variations to the rules, and maybe a different focal point — but otherwise identical.

Teaching Traditions

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM CAROLINA PARENTView all
Helping Children Handle The Strongest Of Feelings
Carolina Parent

Helping Children Handle The Strongest Of Feelings

Helping children handle the strongest of feelings

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2019
7 Tips For Safe Holiday Online Shopping
Carolina Parent

7 Tips For Safe Holiday Online Shopping

7 Tips for safe holiday online shopping

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2019
The Joy Of Letters
Carolina Parent

The Joy Of Letters

I wish that joy could fill every moment of Jessie’s life, but children, like their parents, must overcome diffiulties. Two major challenges Jessie has faced in her young life come to mind.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2019
Smart Speakers: Smart Choice?
Carolina Parent

Smart Speakers: Smart Choice?

Weighing the pros and cons of welcoming Alexa or Google Assistant into your home

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2019
Helping Children Through Winter Holiday Routine Changes
Carolina Parent

Helping Children Through Winter Holiday Routine Changes

The festivities leading up to and during the winter holidays can bring about many changes and disruptions to a family’s routine. Some children take these changes in stride, while others may need extra support to manage the excitement of the season.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2019
5 Ways To Address A Bad Grade On Your College Application
Carolina Parent

5 Ways To Address A Bad Grade On Your College Application

“Bad” can be a very relative term, particularly when attached to high school grades.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2019
Bright Lights In Beaufort
Carolina Parent

Bright Lights In Beaufort

Historic homes adorned with red velvet bows, forest green garland wrapped around iconic Southern porches, and lights twinkling through windows are hallmarks of small-town holiday charm. Beaufort, named one of North Carolina’s

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2019
Modern Midwifery
Carolina Parent

Modern Midwifery

This traditional birthing option has evolved to meet the needs of today’s pregnant moms

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2019
Pumpkin Patches, Hayrides And Ghostly Gatherings
Carolina Parent

Pumpkin Patches, Hayrides And Ghostly Gatherings

Autumn is a glorious season in the Triangle. Visit a local farm to hop on a hayride, sip apple cider and find your way out of corn maze. Scare yourself silly in one of the area’s celebrated haunted houses, or venture down a dark trail to greet the undead. Explore our vast selection of fall offerings, from tame experiences to frightful festivities. Events requiring a fee, ticket or donation are marked with an asterisk. Check the daily calendar section for more seasonal fun.

time-read
10+ mins  |
October 2019
Hiking As A Family Benefits All Ages
Carolina Parent

Hiking As A Family Benefits All Ages

Hiking as a family benefits all ages.

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2019