Thoughts: RPG, kids, friendship group

[trystinn]

Gary is off at convention, so we've missed a week of questing. Typically, we've figured out a few ideas to make the game better, starting with the overly complicated Character Generator. We're in the process of knocking out an Quick Guide which we'll present to Gary while holding out our hands for our new miniatures.

We invited another couple to join us, thinking the more the merrier. These are foster parents of three active young boys and we figured they could use a night of adult interaction. Almost immediately, they began demanding all sorts of conditions: gaming had to be held at their home, change the night, etc. At this point, we quietly back away slowly and got out of dodge.

Gaming with a housefull of children is not gaming. We can't wage war on monsters while watching our language, yelling over Guitar Hero and hoping that their attention can be pulled away from their child long enough to roll. Having seen how these two run their household and the constant disruptions they consider normal from the kids, we couldn't compromise.

Every so often I start to think I'm really way too strict. Then, after a Chris and Sherry consultation, I realize that our friendship group is fairly disciplined. Kids have figured out when its appropriate to ask questions, that interruption is not permitted and that when you whine the answer is always no. Backing each other has provided a very strong united front and the kids have adapted gracefully. They are learning the subtleties of body language, conversation lulls, respect and compromise. Not too shabby for gaming geeklings.

Comments

[paigemom.livejournal.com]

foster kids, more than any, need the kind of discipline the rest of your group seems to have created. Too bad the foster parents couldn't recognize the potential benefits of association with your group on your terms.

[tryst-inn.livejournal.com]

As near as I can tell, most kids in this state are nearly feral. I cannot imagine being raised so haphazardly, with zero social skills and the thinnest skin imaginable.

At the moment, I've got Amanda (Laura's buddy, Chris' daughter) hanging out in the living room waiting for me to drive her home en route to the gym. She's been an absolute delight, very calm and will be in a few years an absolutely fabulous, balanced young lesbian. And I will have been grateful to be part of her life growing up.

Thank you. *Hugs*