Kids Have It Figured Out

I was recently at a conference for group facilitators in the experiential education field. I was a little hesitant, thinking I would put up with it in order to learn a few new activities and initiatives for my groups. I ended up having the most fun I’ve had in a long time!

Not surprisingly, we learned lots of cool, fun group games, but I have to tell you about one in particular. It’s called, “Pterodactyl.” It was introduced to us by a camp counselor, so I should’ve known it would be edgy. The game starts with each participant wrapping their lips over their teeth, the objective being not to let your teeth show. If you lose the lip-wrapped-over-teeth situation, you’re out. 

We stood in a circle, and one person started out by turning to their left and shrieking loudly the word “Pterodactyl!” at their neighbor, all the while never letting teeth show. This went around the circle as laughter erupted. Doubled over in stitches, people immediately began falling out. Too hard to cover your teeth when you’re laughing in hysterics. 

The movement around the circle could be reversed by a person turning back to the participant who just shrieked “Pterodactyl!” at them. To reverse, the reversing person would stand on one foot while lifting both arms to the sides (like a bird of prey on the attack), and squawk in a loud, shrill voice right at their neighbor. And around the circle we’d go like this. 

I can’t remember the last time I laughed so hard. People were rolling on the floor, doubled up, howling and snorting in laughter. You may be thinking, “No way in hell you’d ever catch me doing that!” And that’s ok. The point is: when people are having fun, they learn more. The mind is relaxed and open. Having fun makes learning easier. Finding ways to add enjoyment makes the change process more savory.

How is the fun factor in your life? When’s the last time you laughed so hard you couldn’t breathe? If recently, good for you - you’re probably in the minority. For the rest of us, let’s get creative and set an intention for some fun in our lives. 

Kids have it figured out. Just spend some time observing children at play and do what they do. See if you can let go of the harsh, judgmental voice if it’s there and do some kid stuff.

Don’t have any kids nearby? Try Googling, “something I can do for fun right now.” Tie-dye a t-shirt. Color a coloring book. Make your own movie (you can use software like iMovie). Make slime with your kids. Bake something sweet. Make a jigsaw puzzle.

We learn by doing. That’s why they call it experiential education. In all of my groups, I emphasize experience. Although content is important, it’s the experiences that we will remember. And those experiences will guide us toward the changes we desire. We learn best when we’re relaxed and open.

Have some fun with it. Check out the below group experiences, all of which invite connection, enjoyment, and experiential learning. And see you on the Pterodactyl circuit!!

Healing from Sexual Compulsion

A transformational online community for men

In-Person
Group Support

“Next Steps in Recovery”

Tuesday Evenings, Boulder

Partner & Spouse Coaching with Amy Briggs

Brian’s partner Amy is now offering support for partners and spouses of those struggling with addiction.