Drama Game

Monopoly, the classic board game, has earned a reputation for being a source of frustration and tears, especially when kids are involved. It’s a game that brings out the competitive side in everyone, but it often leads to emotions running high. The rules are simple: buy properties, collect rent, and try to bankrupt your opponents. However, the way the game plays out—especially the unpredictable rolls of the dice, the penalties for landing on high-rent properties, and the constant trading of assets—can quickly turn the atmosphere sour.

For kids, Monopoly can feel like a cruel game of luck and strategy. They might have big hopes of winning early in the game, only to be crushed by a string of bad rolls or the harsh reality of being forced to mortgage their properties or pay hefty rent. It can be especially difficult when they see the older players stacking up houses or hotels on their properties, slowly turning the game into a battle of attrition.

The idea of going bankrupt or losing all their money feels like the end of the world to a child, and it’s not uncommon for their frustration to spill over into tears. It’s even more intense when younger players try to grasp the game’s complexities and end up making decisions that seem unfair or that put them at a severe disadvantage. Their hard-earned money can vanish in a few turns, making it feel like a constant uphill battle with little hope of recovery.

In a family setting, Monopoly can create tension, as players become more and more focused on the goal of winning, sometimes forgetting that the game is meant to be fun. The slow nature of the game, with its long stretches of waiting for turns, only adds to the feeling of helplessness for younger players who are at the mercy of luck or the strategies of older players.

Despite all the tears and tantrums, Monopoly can also teach kids important lessons in money management, negotiation, and patience. But in the moment, when the game drags on and they find themselves losing property after property, all those lessons can feel like small consolation for a game that’s making them cry every time.