USA / Canada (20th century schoolyard game)
Mother May I
Also known as Captain May I, Father May I
Players ask permission for each move; the leader can grant or substitute a different move.
3+ playersAges 4-10In or outCalmBig spaceNo kit
The rules
How to play
1
One player is the 'Mother' (or Captain/Father) and stands at one end of the space.
2
All others line up at the far end.
3
Players take turns asking: 'Mother, may I take [number] [type of] steps forward?' The Mother replies 'Yes, you may' or 'No, you may not, but you may take [different move] instead.'
4
If a player moves without asking, or forgets to say 'Mother may I', they go back to the start.
5
First to reach and tag the Mother becomes the new Mother.
Keep it fair
Mother must give a substitute move, not just say no, otherwise it drags on and kids lose interest.
Good for building
listeningmemoryself-control
What you need
Nothing at all, just the kids.
More to play
