Remember that game to choose who's "it?" I hadn't heard it in 35-odd years before yesterday when Bud, Sis, and Neighbor Boy used it to determine who was It in a game of "television tag." I don't know if Neighbor Boy taught it to them or they knew it already, but he did teach them a few things yesterday (which, granted, they probably already knew):
- How to Cheat: Even though Bud was the one with his foot left in the game of "bubble gum," Neighbor Boy declared himself It. Bud objected, saying Neighbor Boy was out, just like Sis had been, with both feet out of the game. Neighbor Boy didn't relent, again declaring that he was it even because both of his feet were out. So then how come Sis wasn't it, Bud wanted to know. But I think he wanted to play more than be right so he gave up and let Neighbor Boy be It.
- How to Change the Rules Mid-Game: In "television tag," the It-person chooses a topic and chases the others around. If they can name something in that category and sit before It can tag them, It has to keep going (because our kids don't know many tv shows, they do Star Wars characters!). Well, midway through the game, when he wasn't It, Neighbor Boy didn't want to sit anymore. When Bud tagged him and said he was It, Neighbor Boy said no. Of course, earlier, Neighbor Boy had declared Bud It because he didn't get up and down each time while Neighbor Boy hovered over him waiting to tag him.
- How to Compromise (or set your priorities): Despite both of these above, and no doubt other instances to which I was not privy, Sis and Bud played with Neighbor Boy for two hours, overlooking his need to be in charge in order to have a playmate.
I wouldn't call it a lesson in real friendship, though.
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