Thursdays are incomplete without the throwbacks. Today, we go down memory lane and dive into those games we played back then as children. Personally, I think this is something the children of this present generation are missing. They are so engrossed in video games and the latest technology, the bonding through physical meetings is no longer felt. It is even worse with the present coronavirus pandemic. Social distancing has been effected and children are more indoors.
Growing up was fun. The games can not be substituted for what seems obtainable now. The neighbourhood was never dull. The sound of children playing. The laughters, the choruses, the cheers all contributed to the lively atmospheres. Here are some games we played back then as children:
1.Hide and Seek
It was a quest to be lost and found. A group of children would hide for one discover their hiding place. There were different places to hide- the back of a car, under the staircase, in a parked lorry , under a tree etc. It thought us to be decisive and opportunistic. A child was crowned winner to discover another’s hiding place.
2. Police and thieves
A set of children played as police and another played as thieves. The police were the good guys, the thieves were the bad guys. These was another form of ‘hide and seek’ games.
3. Suwe
This exciting game could be played by six or more children. They draw boxes of similar sizes and area on the ground, then they hop in after ensuring their ‘seed’ enters into the boxes. The child who is able to do this for all the boxes without flouting the rules, gets to ‘build houses’ and become the winner.
4. Concentration
This developed ones intelligence quotient. A group of children would list out a specified noun e.g food. Any body who wastes time at his/her turn or says the wrong thing goes out of the game.
5.Telematch
This was the adaptation of the childhood games series that rocked our television in the 90s. The children improvise with stones, tyres and other materials. They form teams and partake in rigorous fun tasks. The winning team scales through all the sessions.
6. Ten ten
This was popular among girls. They could form teams or play ‘solo’. The whole idea is to ensure you don’t throw the same leg as your opponent.