Any Thoughts on Dungeons and Dragons?

I would wait until he is a teenager to let him play Dungeons and Dragons. The math and rules can be complicated at first, but once he knows them, it is fun.

If he loves fantasy books and movies, D&D is a definite way to foster his imagination.

I grew up playing fantasy roll playing games. This answer is quite long, but I am trying to give a full description of the game.

As long as he is able to separat fantasy from reality, and it is done with parental supervision for a while, it can be a great way to express creativity and problem solve and tell stories. And it's a fun way of applying math, which can often catch a kids attention and help him feel confident in math more than any tutoring program (my brother's math became stronger - even though at first he was counting dots on the dice.)

D&D can be a bit complicated at first. You'll want to make sure that YOU understand the rules and how the whole thing works, so you can help him with it. I would go with the most recent version (there have been several, some more complicated than others). Also, keep in mind that this game is meant to be interactive. It works ok with 2 players, but is much better with more; generally one player is the "Dungeon Master" (aka DM), and that person creates the scenario for the other players. The other players create characters, and then play out the scenarios. This can take anywhere from an hour or two to several hours or more (sometimes with 'to be continued') Think of it as a structured game of make-believe. And they use dice to determine "did you succeed" or "how much damage did you do" so there is less bickering about that :)

Again, I would strongly suggest parental supervision for the first few years. Better yet, get involved and play yourself. This is the best way to help him understand what is and is not acceptable play (to fit your family's values etc). You can also help him understand the whole problem solving thing more. And its great tim spent together.

If he really gets into it, as he gets older (teens) he may find other kids who play similar games. Many kids (and adults) will set up "game nights" where they get together and spend hours playing. You will have to decide how often and how long these can be (but it is still better than hours in front of a video game). We generally gamed about once a month, on a saturday evening. Also, know the kids and their parents - know the environment he's going to just like any other situation. You may be more comfortable hosting these games yourself. And be aware of the financial - he may want figures and environment, and photocopies for the character sheets, and such.

Back in the 1980's there was a big scare that D&D was a horrible, satanic, cult-based game. I think this came from a small amount of kids who used it a vehicle for such (expressing their own decisions through the game and then using it as a scapegoat). Fantasy roll playing is a great way to foster creativity, story telling, problem solving, cooperation, negotiation, etc. Just make sure you know and understand what your child is doing (no matter what game or activity he is into).

I turned to the expert; someone who was both a young boy and a long time D&D player, my hubby...

As long as you familiarize yourself with the concept and workings of the game and determine it is something your son would find enjoyable and challenging, then let him have at it with his friends.

He will get a lot more from it by figuring out play for himself than if Mom showed him, played with him and stood over his shoulder (supervised him). Let him ask you for help when he needs it, either clarifying rules or assisting with math, and let him know you would be happy to play with him whenever he wants. But he's 9, he will probably like it better if he learns and plays with his peers.

Also, if he has trouble separating the fantasy of the game with reality and adhering to the values you've taught him thus far, you have greater problems than whether or not he should play D&D and will notice it in other areas of his life.

I think it's a fabulous game, especially if he's not all that strong in math but has a great imagination. The story driven parts of the game will give him the ability to customize it however her wants (even to make it a sort of Harry Potter version if he wishes) and the math is a lot of addition and subtraction, so not too hard for a younger kid to grasp with the aid of a good calculator.

That being said, have you looked into RPGs that are intended for children? Here (http://www.tlucretius.net/RPGs/kids.html) is a good place to start. I am particularly fond of Mouseguard since there is also a Graphic Novel series that he can check out when he is not playing the game. Pokemon was super-popular several years back, and the cards have the rules for the characters on them so it's not as complicated to play.

I daresay you should just take him down to a game store and let him have a look around and see what the storekeeper recommends and what he is interested in. I wouldn't be surprised if they had a Harry potter RPG out these days since they have a game for just about anything now.

Dungeons and Dragons is great. Your son will love it.

It is doable, as long as he can read and follow the sory. It will take time on your part to be the dungeon master/story teller, and remember this is a non ending game, there is no ending you have to set a time limit and stop until the next time. My brother played at a verry young age and my husband as well and both learned problem solving skills and imagination. They are also strong readers and story tellers/writers as well.

I've played DnD. My kids have played it.

Kids attention span isn't long enough for the game - even if they enjoy it. They'll be dying to play and then play for an hour or two and just lose interest.

So, run solo campaigns--where it's just you and him inside a story. Then you can stop playing sooner. and play more often in small spurts.

OR try playing a game like Talisman. It has the elements of DnD but more to look at and less time commitment.

http://www.amazon.com/Fantasy-Flight-Games-BLL00901-Talis...

You can add extra imaginative elements to the game by "storytelling" or talking like your character would talk as you move around the board.

My biggest suggestions for DnD:

-Know everyone your kids are playing with
-players' skill level should be the same (don't want tweens playing with adults or teens playing with adults.)

Since the game is up to the imagination of the children involved, I suggest at least on older child or adult participate. A local game store might have a person that could possibly run an intro game for a small group (which very well could include YOU). Then you could take over and run the game for your child, once you have the basics.

I agree that with you (or another trusted adult) as the DM you can create a fun learing experience for your son. Set up a play group for his friends where everyone gets together (with an accompanying parent to assist) once a week or so. Make sure you keep track of what happens every time so you can reveiw the history each time you get together (very helpful if someone misses a game as well)

Keep in mind there are several D&D style games to choose from- many with the game books open sourced so you can use them for free. My best friend has several campaigns going in several of them. He may also be a good resource for you and if you would like i can put you in touch with him, just let me know.

I did some AD&D when I was in high school. Most of the people who posted all agreed that your son would do well with it. But I think it might be too much for an 8 year old. It isn't a bored game or a visual game.
You might want to introduce him to Magic cards first. My brother was really into that game when he was the same age as your son and it's great because there is math and reading and strategy involved... but maybe a little more visual than D&D

I would NOT recommend Dungeons and Dragons for any kid. Period.

T.