Mother May I
Rating: 8+
This popular game is best played with ten or more players. One player is selected to be the “mother.” The object of this game is to tag the mother; once you've done this you become the mother and everyone else tries to tag you.
The mother stands in front of a line of players about fifty yards away. The mother calls out one of the players’ names, and he answers, “Yes, Mother.” The mother then asks them to do a specific task; for example, “Take three giant steps forward.” At this time the player has to ask the mother if he can do it by responding, “Mother, may I?” The Mother then either answers, “Yes, you may,” and the task is carried out, or, “No, you may not,” and the player stays where he is.
The mother then has to keep track of all the players. Once she forgets where they are, she will surely lose her position.
This game can either be played with the mother facing the players or with her back turned to them. Obviously, it is more difficult if the mother isn't facing the players, because she will have to rely on the sound of the players’ voices to determine how close they are.
