Monopoly

When my son was very young, my wife and I played lots of board games with him. I half-jokingly tell a story that he learned arithmetic from being the banker when we played Monopoly. Actually, I think we all did our own banking. But board games, especially Monopoly, provided an opportunity for him to learn basic arithmetic and the rudiments of handling money.

Well, the times have certainly changed - I just saw an ad on TV for the Monopoly Electronic Banking edition! Who needs cash? 

Wheel and deal your way to a fortune even faster using debit cards instead of cash! All it takes is a card swipe for money to change hands. Now you can collect rent, buy properties and pay fines - with the touch of a button! It’s a new way to play the family classic that’s been brought up-to-date with modernized tokens (including a Segway personal transporter, an Altoids tin, space shuttle, flat-screen TV, baseball cap and a dog in handbag!), higher property values and locations based on your favorite landmarks Gameboard comes with title deed cards, chance and community chest cards, 6 debit cards, 2 dice, 6 tokens, 32 houses, 12 hotels and instructions.

2-6 Players. 2 "AAA" Batteries Required (not included).

Making change is so old-fashioned!  With this game, kids can learn the modern ways of buying and paying! Hey, it's not like we're giving them credit cards - these are only debit cards!

Lest I make it seem like Hasbro is dumbing down future consumers, I should point out that they still sell the old familiar versions that use cash.  And for those of you who still wish to use Monopoly to teach your children about currency, the learning doesn't have to stop at the consumer level.  Players take turns being the banker. And, with today's rough financial times, they can prepare for a career at Treasury or the Fed by printing more money!