House (game)

House, also referred to as "playing house", is a traditional game where children or adults take on the roles of a nuclear family, which typically consists of a father, mother, a child/children, a baby, and a cat/dog.

This game is most commonly played with children ages 3–5, and often with props (most schools have a "kitchen area" with plastic food). The nature of the game usually attracts girls, but boys will sometimes play as well, usually with some reluctance. In one episode of Pee-wee's Playhouse, Pee-wee, Miss Yvonne, and several playhouse denizens play this game.

Every person assumes a role, and then they invent household scenarios in which everyone takes a part: getting food, doing chores, fixing things, going places, making children (of varying degrees of realism), caring for the younger children, feeding the pets, welcoming the husband home from work, etc.

Remade versions

In some games, changes are made during game play. In some versions, jobs are chosen, and sometimes there are roles as roommates and friends.

See also

• Role playing