Today we're playing "Which One Doesn't Belong?"  



This one requires some mental effort on your part, but it's pretty easy, we think.  The effort is nearly effortless, really.



All you have to do is think of three similar items, and one that's a little bit different.



Here's an example:

* monkey

* lion

* elephant

* tree



When you've thought of your list of items, tell them to your child.  Ask, "Which one doesn't belong?"



(Did you spot the one that doesn't belong in the list above?)



Here's another, slightly different example:

* monkey

* lion

* elephant

* seal



Obviously you can spot the difference, right?  Can your kid?



For full credit, your children have to tell you *why* the thing they've picked is different.  That's the whole fun of the game!



We think this game can really go for hours.  It works wonders in keeping kids occupied during traffic jams and waits at restaurants.  There are just that many different things in the world, that many different things to be identified and discussed.  Here are some more ready-made lists for you:





1.  

*  snake

*  snow leopard

*  shark

*  snail



2.

*  flower

*  vine

*  rock

*  palm tree



3.

*  say goodnight

*  put on pajamas

*  brush your teeth

*  drink orange juice



4.

*  truck

*  motorcycle

*  Mommy's car

*  race car



5.

*  Daddy

*  Brother

*  Grandpa

*  Aunt Wanda



In the future, "which one doesn't belong" will show up -- in some form or another -- on a standardized exam.  Your kids will be given a multiple choice question and asked to identify which of the options doesn't belong.  Your kids, we're happy to say, won't be new to this type of question.  In fact, they might even remember as a fun activity they did with their parents!



Free, fun, learning, parent-kid time.  We hope they all belong in your house!  Have fun.