Our SONG TO CHEW today is called NEW GAMES, from my “Pluggin' Away” album. Almost all games we play in this world of ours are competitive, and it would be great to change that, so we have more choices about ways we can collectively play together.  Most games are designed with very clear rules, structured so players can build skills in outsmarting or outmaneuvering each other in order to win.  A big part of growing up is  testing ourselves to see what we can do.  We compare ourselves to others and we feel great when we see that we measure up.  Losing can be a big disappointment though.  Most of us pick ourselves up afterwards, and try again.  Some of us, though, have been disappointed so often that we stop trying.  That's when competition can be most harmful.  Sometimes winning isn't so much fun either!  Especially when the game has one winner and all the rest of the players can feel like 'losers', ... right?!  Some of us learned that working hard at play is the only way to play, and winning is the only thing that matters, when actually, that isn't play at all, it's work! Remember, if it feels like work, it probably IS work!  Cooperative games teach us skills for getting along with each other.  We learn to set healthy boundaries and take care of ourselves by having fun!  We learn communications skills and experience the joy of caring friendships and creative problem solving for the fun of it, not out of fear that we'll lose.  We need support and encouragement and safe places to learn new skills.  I’m Peter Alsop.  Thanks for stopping by.  I’ll be back again next week with another ‘Song to Chew’. 
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