What Would Your Choice Be?

While I think that bridge is a great pasttime for kids, there are a few people who disagree. One of the most common comments I hear from people opposed to the idea of kids playing bridge is "These kids should be out playing". I know that they are thinking of a childhood that was much like mine. Playing from sun-up to sundown in the neighborhood with eight or ten other kids, moving from yard to yard as the mood strikes. Front yard baseball and football. Swimming, Neighborhood Olympics and chasing fireflies at night. That sounds wonderful doesn't it? Idyllic almost.

Well that's not typical anymore. Children today are much more restricted by parents who have legitimate safety concerns. They have music lessons, many afterschool activities, and tons more homework. Their leisure activity is more more likely to be computer games, video games and television than it is to be tag in the front yard. Most of the adults I teach bridge to talk about arranging 'play dates' for their youngsters so that they can socialize with other children.

I'm for organized sports for children. I love to watch kids play baseball, basketball, soccer and football. Yes, they do get a chance to 'visit' with their teammates in practice and on the sidelines. Bridge however has three advantages;
1) They will meet other children outside of their normal circle of school and neighborhood
2) Bridge is safe. A safe environment and physically safe
3) They can play bridge forever. They will never be faced with not being chosen for the team, or not good enough for first string. Yes, in bridge some players are better than others, but everyone regardless of skill level can enjoy it

Children have much less time to just 'be' with other kids. Would you rather your child play a video game or play a game with a bunch of other kids? Play a game that improves their mind or Watch TV? Play a game on the computer or talk, cut-up and laugh with other kids?

My choice would be Bridge.