Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Lucky Ducks


The Monkey is still working on learning her colours. I'm always on the lookout for fun games that work on this skill (among many others). We have a 8 foot x 4 foot cupboard full of games, crafts and toys but I work with the philosophy that Candy Land causes hives, so I like to stock up on lots of choices in the hopes I won't be expected to be spending time in Snoozing Sucker Ville.

But bringing anything remotely related to children into the house requires some finesse. I don't want to paint The Husband in a bad light but let's just say, considering his propensity towards collecting lifeguard competition t-shirts, I think he could be a bit more understanding of my need to stimulate our children's brain cells. You'd think I perhaps go overboard or something.

Although that scenario is remotely possible.

It's not like I hide ALL the toys purchases. But any great relationship out there needs some mystery in it, so I'm just working on my marriage, y'all.

I did not have to sneak yesterday's purchase into the house. If you own Lucky Ducks, you know what I'm talking about. When The Husband arrived home from his hectic day at work, the first words out of my mouth were, "It was only $4. Sorry."

Sorry for the quacking, not for spending 4 bucks. I never buy stuff new. You know that.

Well, underwear. I buy that new. Food products, toilet paper, the odd candle.....

Toys? I usually do not buy those new.

Every child with autism I've ever worked with has owned the Lucky Ducks game. Oh, the memories of sitting in a consult meeting and having the consultant proclaim those dreaded words, "Get the game Lucky Ducks". The involuntary gasps throughout the room. Then the stunned silence. The tears of grief.

No. Not that. Anything but Lucky Ducks.

And that's the game I spent 4 bucks on and brought into our home.

If you haven't had the pleasure of playing this game, I give you crappy cellphone video of why I'm an idiot.



That's 17 seconds. It's been playing for 3 hours in my house.

I may have to step on it accidentally.

5 comments:

Heather Stilwell said...

Excuse me - did I just read that you, an experienced mother of four, voluntarily brought this game into your home? Have you been spending too much time in the sun? perhaps not enogh time in the sun? temporary insanity? There has to a reason. I'm worried about you!!!

Anonymous said...

Why on earth would this game be used to help autistic kids?

It seems to me that ranks right up there with the school concert number (true story) that integrated the autistic boy in the number with the really loud band instruments.

Gina said...

Um. I am an autism consultant and have never recommended this, so when I read the post, I thought, 'Hmmm...I will have to check this out! Maybe I can get one for our classroom.'

And then I watched the video. Gah.

elise666 said...

I can't believe that I have never played this game...with the hours of candyland..sorry gagging here. and all other games I have played with the kids, cause the husband is hard to motivate in playing a game and when he does, he needs to win! maybe lucky duck would be good for daddy!

MahoneyMusings said...

@ Heather ~ Yes. Temporary insanity.

@ TE ~ because it would be a way to generalize learned colours and matching with basic turn taking skills. Plus it was visually pleasing to some. Oh, and it worked on auditory desensitation. And sometimes a child had a duck obsession.

I didn't.

@ Gina ~ I know. "Gah" pretty much describes it.

@ Elise666 ~ Please don't buy it. I can't have that on my conscience.