Old Maid

I taught the girls how to play Old Maid this week...and it is quite an interesting game to play with a four and six year old.

The girls quickly came to the conclusion that they do NOT want to have the Old Maid in their hands at any time during the game. 

Take for example the scene this evening...

I dealt the cards to everyone and one of the girls had the Old Maid card in her hand (hint, hint - think lil sis)...she quickly stood up, threw down her cards, and stomped off muttering how "it isn't fair!".

We, of course, had a conversation about playing the game, the object of the game and the fact that just because you start out with the Old Maid doesn't mean you will end up with her....but even after the conversation (which had lots of good teaching points if I do say so myself!), we had to re-deal the hand. 

Of course, as luck would have it, the other daughter (hint, hint - think big sis) received the Old Maid this time.  Trying to behave better than her sister, she only threw down her cards and said she didn't want to play (note there was no stomping off - we have improvement!!).  :) 

After all of this drama, we finally were able to play the game.  Their glee, amusement and laughter when a person drew the Old Maid from their hands was positively delightful...and their frustration and "un-fairness" with the situation when they drew the Old Maid card themselves was equally delightful.

In the end, Daddy ended up with the Old Maid...and I must say that all of the girls were absolutely gleeful on the way the game ended.  So gleeful in fact, that I think we'll play this weekend...and cheer for the same results.

Lauren