The game goes like this...one person is the mother. They are the boss. They get to tell the people if they may or may not move forward. One person takes a turn and asks, "Mother may I take three scissor steps forward?" Then it's up to the Mother to decide if the child can or can't move. She can say, "Yes, you may" or "No, you may not." Most often if the Mother says no, she can counter with a different choice like "No, but you may take two baby steps."
I always loved playing this game with my sisters but it wasn't until I was older that I realized that the Mother could decide who won the game. The winner was the person who was able to touch the mother. Then they became the new Mother. What a power trip! 
As the Mother, I could punish my sister who annoyed me by taking the bigger piece of cake. She'd never win! I could boss my friends around...Yes, you can or No. I'm sure that the game had some redeeming values but like other fun games (Red Light, Green Light or Red Rover, Red Rover), it is hard to see it today in our world of PC correctness and anti-bullying. **I have to admit we played Red Rover, Red Rover let everyone but Melanie come over. She was the baby and got away with everything!**
It's ironic that as a teacher, my students have never heard of this game, let alone played it. Is it that we don't have children outside playing those "fun" games because they spend so much time watching screens or playing video games, or is it that they are so scheduled with piano, soccer, and dance that they don't have time to go outside and play? Could it be that the neighborhoods have changed? Do children really get together to play a game of kick the can or stick ball? It's a lot to ponder and I don't believe that there is only one reason.
Today as spring weather abounds, I am reminded of those simpler times where games were played outside among the trees, flowers and neighborhoods, where children came together to learn how to get along and how to negotiate differences. And of course, I'm reminded of the thrill of being in power over my sisters! :) "Yes, you may take ten jumps...and then when you're it, you'll let me win the next round!"
What games do you remember playing growing up? Do you feel that we've moved away from those games? Why?
I'd like to take a moment to wish all the Mother's, Mother's to be, and the million of people who act like a mom to someone....Happy Mother's Day. I wish you a day filled with love!
Visit with me next month on the 9th for another sneak peek at my wacky world!
Sincerely,
Melissa
