Hide & seek is a hazard. I beg you to say no.

Hide and seek is a freakin' hazard. Yes I know, it's a children's game. And one they love. But this is my warning to you. Don't entertain this game. Never. Don't let your child see it on television, blacklist any family members who show/teach them the game, and while you're at it chuck out those lift-the-flap books.

There really are plenty of other games to play. Try peek-a-boo. The baby's version of hide and seek. Stick with that. Never graduate from it. Nobody ever lost a child who was hiding behind his/her own hands.

Not convinced? Here are my reasons why not to play...
 
1. Children are very smart. Your child will hone his/her hiding/seeking skills exceptionally well over a few weeks. And will work out how to sneak up behind you ever so softly, and scare the crap out of you. You will become a great source of amusement. Child will get better and better at it. You will be on edge constantly.




Too clever: Hiding under the kitchen sink! {pic by me}


2. Your child will love hide & seek. Too much. You will be asked to play 20 times a day. Play one game, and times that by 10. That should drive you nuts. And if it doesn't, soon your guests will be dragged off to hide before they step voluntarily in your door. If they are childless and your child is insistent, expect them to soon never want to visit you.

3. You will lose your child. In the house. While playing hide and seek. Children have a Macgyver-like technique of deciphering when they're onto something clever. They will find the perfect hiding spot, and don't underestimate their patience. They will hide, and be silent for a long long time. Even when you're frantically calling their name, almost in tears running from room to room searching for said child. Even when you're on the phone to your husband begging him to come home from work and help you look for his lost child... in your house.


Impressive: Almost hidden... {pic by me}


4. You will be injured during hide and seek. Your child will also be injured from time to time. They will bounce back within seconds. You will not.

5. You will start thinking about good places to hide. This is bad news. Because you will think of a great hiding place. When you do, re-read point four above. And in the interests of safety, don't lie under the bed covers. You will get jumped on. And when your husband wants to hide in the bath? This will most likely result in husband exiting the bath with his head stuck parallel to his shoulder. You will laugh. He will recover three days later, after a deep-tissue massage and chiropractic treatment.

Oh, and yes all these events did occur in our home. Learning the hard way... :)

Good luck! Elisa xx

Is there a children's game that drives you nuts? Do tell!