Childhood games vary all around the world. What most of us may consider “normal” may differ from many other countries.
These different games around the world reflect each country’s culture, behaviors, values, ethics, and the way we view the world around us. Journalist Ethan Watters, draws more on how Westerners are WEIRD – “Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic,” in his article titled, “Being WEIRD: How Culture Shapes the mind.” Childhood games such as Dodgeball, and Musical Chairs may be considered WEIRD to others, but reflect important traits in our culture and help such as, the promotion of competition, violence, and our view of the natural world. These games are not only reflecting key values in our culture but are also benefiting kids in the long run by lifting their confidence levels which in turn may help improve social skills needed later in life.