More From You - Readers share their views on The Game of Life: Twists & Turns.

Regarding the change to The Game of Life without cash, I think one basic reason that it’s not a good idea is that there is no money for the kids to count! How will our children learn to count money if there is no tangible way to do so? I remember that part of the fun of games such as Life and Monopoly was to be the banker and count money and make change! The toy company is making it too easy and taking this basic learning tool out of the game.

—Megan DeGrand
Glenolden, Pennsylvania

Many young folks today are living on credit cards. If they can’t afford it, they think, “Just charge it; we’ll pay for it later.” I think a good game needs to help teach kids to be responsible with money and to be good stewards.

—Rodney Bell
Weston, Florida

First, I'm upset that the game is losing its educational value. Life and Monopoly are both featuring electronic versions with no paper money. As the mother of a third grader, counting money and making change are important skills that require practice. You can’t always have a calculator in your pocket. To introduce credit cards is just feeding into the trend of financial irresponsibility that is plaguing people these days. I have no intention of purchasing any of these games. They’re not just about having fun; they are supposed to mix fun with learning. I’ll stick to my paper money versions!

—Kate Krueger
Farmington, New York

I think it would be better to keep the cash. Everything is computerized and electronic. When that is “down” for a period of time, people still need to know how to handle things without “computer brains.”

—Carol Price
Gig Harbor, Washington

While the new game may be “hip” and “fresh,” it offends me just as much as the ubiquitous commercial that makes fun of the person paying in cash and thereby “holding up the line.” The more people get used to using credit cards for everything, the greater the danger of debt overwhelming people, as they divorce themselves from the reality of cash vs. credit.

—Kevin Lynch
Arlington, Texas

Life is much more convenient without cash. We can conveniently buy two pairs of shoes instead of one; we can order a 12-oz. steak instead of an 8-oz.; we can have three televisions and two computers and we even can conveniently pay our taxes with plastic. We don’t even have to give the kids cash; we give them plastic. Convenient? Yes. Better? No.

—Richard Carlson
Georgetown, Texas

Please Note: Views expressed in these letters are not necessarily the views of Thrivent magazine or Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

What do you think?

Lengthy to-do lists and crowded family calendars can make it hard for each of us to find time for those we love the most. But often, that together time—whether it’s with friends, grandparents, children, coworkers or other favorite people—brings life’s most memorable moments.

How do you make time for togetherness in your everyday life? Let us know your thoughts, and select responses will be published in future issues of the magazine.