My ten year old just came downstairs and asked me, “Mom, what’s cocaine?” What?! We’d just come back from lunch and a museum. What did I miss?

Well, the kids were all playing a game after we got back–a game called “Apples to Apples”…doesn’t that sound wholesome? I bought it at the neighborhood toy shop (whose target market is young kids). They play the game at school (they must have a different version–bait and switch?). Kids love it. Sounds great. Maybe not.

Am I crazy or is it a sign of the times? My kids heard about cocaine from a board game? Does Mattel think that’s okay…hip? Not for me. Who knew that I had to check out games like I check out movies or songs. Caveat emptor. It never occurred to me to restrict board game usage, “Sorry little ones, you can’t play a board game with your older siblings.” Ahhhh, family fun! Apparently, the game is for ages 12 and up. Is that okay for 12 year olds? For teenagers? (And, how many teenagers are really buying or playing “Apples to Apples?” Or is this “party” version meant for a different group–in which case, what is Mattel’s goal?) Perhaps a label or rating, similar to movies and song lyrics, might be helpful here.

Guess I’m old fashioned. This shift in the “times” (or markets) isn’t working for me.

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On a lighter note, here are some other cards from the game:

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~ by beckblogic on May 10, 2008.

Posted in General
Tags: Apples to Apples, board games, Caveat emptor, family, family fun, fun, game, games, kids, Mattel, siblings, teenagers, wholesome