So, I’m on Youtube trying to find a video that will show my kids how an RPG is played (the concept can be a bit difficult, especially for a hyperactive 8 year old) when I find this. OK, not for the kids due to some rather strong language, but an absolute hoot nontheless.
I’ve heard of this before from a friend, thanks for posting the link!
Really? It’s essentially “pretend” with dice.
Not really suitable for eight year olds (language,) but a good way to get an idea of how a session is actually run, is the Penny Arcade/PvP D&D series of podcasts. IIRC, it’s a four-hour session over the course of eight podcasts.
Oh, my son gets the “pretend” alright. He just doesn’t get the turn taking, game master decides what’s happening thing. He listens to the story then takes off!!! His character did this, then the other characters did that, then this and that happened and 10 minutes later the other kids up in arms.
I actually started letting him be the game master with just the two of us playing (I follow the rules, of course) and now I think he gets it.
Thanks for the link Pike. I’ll watch your session after the kids are asleep soon. I never played RPG’s, though I wanted to, so a little tutorial will be a good thing. Tonight, however, is BSG (we were at a meet this weekend and I had to miss it – can’t read any of the BSG boards 
Hah! He’s one of those kids.
D&D may be a really good thing for him, then. It would reinforce turn taking, consequences for actions, etc.
Do give that podcast series a listen. I love it just because it reminds me of the games I used to host, but it’s a really good example of what is ‘normal’ during play (there is inevitably a lot of goofing off, but the GM’s job is to bring everyone back around eventually.)
Just wanted to thank you Pike for the podcast suggestion! I never thought of a podcast and this one is just terrific. I finally know what I am doing and the games are much smoother. It’s hard to be a game master when you have never seen an RPG played. I feel like an old expert now!
“Jim doesn’t like owls…”