You are here:
Parenting K-6 Kids/play gambling
Advertisement
Question
i'm a mother of 4 fabulous kids. my two youngest (7&10) usually play well together and do get on well. i have noticed just recently that when they are play games like UNO or Blink they have a pile of Monopoly money and are using this for winnings. my father was a chronic gambler which ended up destroying our family. i understand now as an adult that this is a disease and he couldnt help himself. am i being over paranoid that my children are playing this way? should i just be happy that they get on well and play well together or should i try to discourage them from betting with play money?
Hi Marci
I understand your concern. I don't think this is a hereditary gene that is passed on, but maybe the tnedency to gamble is.
Perhaps you can explain to them that gambling is something you do not approve and tell them why. But give them an alternaive. Either limit the amount they can use of the play money (so they realize that even play money for entertainment should be budgeted) or have them use something instead of money when they make a bet. Like doing the other one's chores or a job if they lose. Be creative. Evelyn
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
Evelyn Petersen
Expertise
I`ve been a weekly parenting columnist for the Knight Ridder papers for 18 years and have answered hundreds of parent questions on at least 200 different topics, most of which related to educational, behavioral and family issues. I`m also a mom, grandmom and author of 7 parenting books. My advice is practical, direct, and positive.
Experience
My experience as a mother and grandmother is just as important as my 40 years in the field of education. My degrees are in Child and Family Life and Education. I've taught in settings from preschool centers to family homes, and from private and public schools to college classrooms. I'm also an active consultant for Head Start and other early childhood programs.
Organizations
National Assn. for the Education of Young Children
Assn. for Childhood Education International
National Federation of Press Women
Publications
Weekkly parenting columns in the Knight Ridder papers and Wire Service from 1984 to present
Author of eight books: "A Practical Guide to Early Childhood Planning" and "A Practical Guide to Early Childhood Curriculum, Second Ed" Allyn & Bacon; "Growing Happy Kids", "Growing Creative Kids", "Growing Thinking Kids", and "Growing Responsible Kids" McGraw-Hill/Totline imprint; "1,2,3, Blocks" McGraw-Hill/Totline imprint; and "Sams Teach Yourself e-Parenting Today" Macmillan USA. My writing also appears in the Nashville Tennessean, on women.com and on tnpc.com (The National Parenting Center)as well as on my own web site (www.askevelyn.com)and other link-related sites. I am also a regular feature writer for "Children and Families" magazine.
Education/Credentials
BA Child Development/Family Life; Purdue University
MA Education (early ed priority); Central Mich. University
Awards and Honors
Honored by the Michigan State Legislature and the Michigan Childrens' Trust Fund for the Prevention of Child Abuse for writing that helps to promote positive parenting skills. Winner of several Press Women Awards for various columns. Winner of Parents' Choice Recommended Award for the book "Growing Responsible Kids".
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.