Lessons from Lord of the Rings Monopoly

Today we spent 4+ hours playing Monopoly. Let me tell you, playing with a toddler under foot is very interesting...money crinkled, board pieces flying, raisins stuck to the board. But we did it! Hayden (who is 5) won (with much help from me). Math, reading, pop-culture, money, how life works in respect to poor, middle class, rich; how luck & hard work are a reality, from what family you are born into to how hard you work in life. Then there were the social aspects like no gloating if you were winning or pouting if you were losing...but showing emotion was very much okay and neccessary, as in life. No cheating, yelling and making sure to use nice words. It is honest to tell the person you landed on their spot and pay the "rent", but don't expect others to always do the same and to stay alert to that (but not be distrustful or paranoid abut it). We discussed neighborhoods, mortgages, and the possibilities of running their own businesses as land owners instead of the 9 to 5 job that ends up leaving them not making more money, but leaving them spending more and more on "every space = day". Anyway...worth all the stress of who's turn is who's & antsy boys (but wouldn't quit!)!!!