Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down, or Mas o Menos

My kids and I have a fun game we made up called "Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down, or Mas o Menos." Whenever we feel like playing, I call out a sport that they play or have played or even a new one...and they show me thumbs up, thumbs down or shake their hands back and forth as if to say "so-so." In playing this game, I get a good indication of which sports they like to play and which sports maybe we should take a break from or stop playing altogether. 
It's fun to see changes in the responses over time too. Maybe after a hard practice or a tough game, the thumbs up turns to a Mas o Menos. Or after an invigorating session with friends, the Mas o Menos or even the thumbs down turns to a thumbs up. 
That's when I get most satisfaction as a parent -- seeing my child able to express him or herself in a fun way and to keep communication open with me as a parent. Not all sports are right for all kids and the sooner parents accept that concept, the better it is for the kids. Try the game sometime. Your kids will love it.

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