Sometimes the old traditions are the best aren’t they? And what’s more traditional than clutching a post-Christmas lunch Baileys whilst puzzling over your elderly uncle’s silent contortions, which apparently depict either a book, film, TV or song – AKA Charades of course. Personally I just love it, particularly after a second or perhaps third large Baileys. But what about the kids? After all Christmas is about the kids too, isn’t it?
Fear not, that marvellous games company, Cheatwell has produced a solution – Kids Charades. Staying true to the original game, the only real difference is that the categories are child-friendly and the category tokens are brightly coloured with easy to read numbers. How great, as it means that the kids can feel part of the fun too, and improve their reading, self-expression and confidence in the process.
Recommended ages are six and above (and that does include adults too). There are a choice of six categories on each card, ranging from very easy mimes such as ‘washing the car’ or ‘hamburger’ to the more challenging ‘The Wizard of Oz” or “Free Kick’ so even the younger children can find something they can mime. The rule book also includes tips on how to help the most junior family members join in, which is useful.
The game comes with three decks of category cards, a sand timer, dice, tokens to collect for each category and rules. The first team to guess a mime in all six categories wins.
Of course I had to road test this with my seven and four year old grandkids and I can confirm it is a lot of fun. Oh, and the grandkids enjoyed it too. The seven-year old did a great impression of a unicorn (I think you can imagine) and whereas the four year old’s portrayal of eating spaghetti was somewhat abstract, fortunately Grannie was able to make an inspired ‘guess’ due to the fact that she’d helped him to read the clue in the first place, but that didn’t seem to detract from his pleasure.
So I can really recommend this fabulous game, for Christmas day, kid’s parties or any family gathering. Whilst six-year olds could handle it easily with adults present, they’d probably need to be a little older to play it completely amongst themselves. Available from the Cheatwell website for £17 it makes a lovely stocking filler.
By Dr K Thompson, award-winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q
http://faitobooks.co.uk
Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.
