My little gamers

My two youngest daughters are gamers.

As in, they love to play games and hate to lose.

They're always asking me to play cards or board games or Wii with them. I try to fit it in as often as possible but sometimes I wonder why.

It's just a double-edged sword with those gamers. They tell me I'm not supposed to let them win, yet when they lose they're mad at me. I can't win even when I do win.

Lately, my 12-year-old is having me play cards with her all the time. I taught her the card game, Speed and now she's hooked. Speed is a quick and competitive game that takes, well, obviously speed, as well as a fast hand and an even faster mind. Since Christmas, I think she's legitimately won 3 out of the 28 times we've played, and one of those times, I played dumb and let her win. (Please don't tell her.)

Anyway, she tells me at the beginning of our games, "Now don't go easy on me. Bring it!" Okay. So I play my best and of course I win, and then what does she do ... throws the cards at me and pouts for a few seconds and then says, "We're playing again!"

So we play and play and play till she finally wins. And there's not a soul in the house that isn't aware she finally beat me. She throws up her arms and shouts, "YES!" Claps her hands, smiling at me the whole time and adding a few, "in your faces" here and there.

My 8-year-old is a little less ugly about it, but still refuses to let me quit until she wins. There's a lot of frustrated grunting and yelling every time that I kick her fanny in Wii baseball but she doesn't throw the remote at me or teeter on the verge of tears at least.

When she does finally win at whatever we're playing, her first question is always, "Did you let me win?" Of course I always say no, but there have been a few times where I laid off in Wii golf to let her win a hole or two. And I have to admit, she has beat me fair and square in Wii bowling several times. Now when it comes to Hi Ho Cherrio, the gloves come off. You have to learn to spin that spinner just right to win that high stakes game!

I'm not sure where they get that competitive spirit?

Oh yeah, from me, I guess.

Hubby isn't too into games like we are. He'll play but could care less if he wins or loses; just playing to win Dad points and spend time with his girls.

However, I admit when I play, I plan on winning or if not, give it my best shot.

Do I feel bad when I keep beating up on my little girls?

Yes, so I do I let them win sometimes?

Yes. Do they realize I let them win? Usually.

Therefore, the double-edged sword I mentioned earlier. I want to win and they want to win but I'm in trouble no matter if I win or lose. What am I gonna do with these gamers?