Play as Classroom: A Childhood Memory and Its Parenting Lessons

Play isn’t just pastime for a child—it’s a first classroom. On Khamis Road in Old Kampala, I learned math, social awareness, and how to read people long before I started school. My memories of those days center on outdoor fun, community, and a game that shaped my mind: matatu (cards), played with older neighbors at the shops across from our house.

Childhood memories of play

Growing up in the 90s, I was allowed to play outside with kids from the neighborhood. We would play as far as Old Kampala Police station, always going home for lunch and resuming after lunch until the sun started to set. But the highlight for me was when I joined the men who ran the shops opposite our home. I was around five or six when I started playing matatu with them. I remember playing with Apollo, Bisaso, and Balinda—the trio of old friends who felt like kin, even though they were as old as my father.

We played a special card variant called sets. To win, a player needed three sets of three cards that were either the same number (for example all 2s, all Ks) or three consecutive numbers of the same suit (for example, 7, 8, 9 of hearts or spades). The more players, the tougher the odds. The game demanded a sharp memory to track played cards, strategic thinking to form sets, calmness to keep a poker face, patience, and a touch of luck when plans seemed to falter. Even as a very young child, I thrived. I quickly became the neighborhood champion, taking on three or even four players and winning several rounds without fatigue.

Skills learned and personal growth

Looking back, that simple game sharpened my mind for mathematical problems. I could do arithmetic without a calculator, and I gained confidence as a young girl sitting at the table with older men and holding my own. I recall their surprised faces, their applause, and at times disappointment when I won. That dynamic communicated a powerful message, I could learn and excel at whatever I pursued. To this day, I process situations by considering multiple scenarios, a habit formed by weighing different outcomes in the game of sets. It’s a skill that has served me well in decision-making. I’m sure there were many other competencies I picked up during those play sessions.

Support, boundaries, and safety

All of this would not have been possible without my dad’s support. He introduced us to the game and, along with several other board games, we played after dinner most nights. He also allowed me to play with the broader community, though my mother quietly harbored concerns—understandable, given that matatu can be addictive, especially when money is involved. Fortunately, we played purely for enjoyment; no bets were placed.

The games always happened in broad daylight, outside the shops’ walkway with clear boundaries around weekends and holidays. In hindsight, playing with older men was risky as I would have been exposed to inappropriate touches or foul language. But, like many communities back in the day, every adult looked out for the neighborhood children. I remember, Aunt Flo the tailor worked right next to where we played. Balinda, a distant relative of my dad, was another trusted presence, and my dad’s standing in the community offered an added layer of protection.

From childhood to parenting: applying the lessons

Today, as a parent, I understand firsthand the importance of game-based play for children. I want to introduce my own kids to a variety of fun, non-digital games. Ironically, I’m cautious about card games because I worry about risk—could my kids develop gambling tendencies or addiction? Yet sets remains a meaningful part of our “family tradition”, something I hope they can share with their grandparents and cousins.

I also see value in classic board games like Monopoly, Ludo, and Scrabble, as tools for bonding and skill-building. Clear boundaries are essential to prevent misuse or overindulgence. The key is balancing enjoyment with safeguards. I would like to know;

• What was your most memorable childhood game, and what lifelong skills did you gain from it?

• As a parent, which games are you introducing to your children, and which ones are you limiting or banning?

Please share your thoughts so that we can learn from each other on how to parent in this digital era. Credit: Image generated by Gemini