We all want the best for our children. From the time that they are born we are thinking about how we can give them the right tools to build a bright future. There are the traditional ways that have worked such as reading to them at an early age. One avenue that might get overlooked is making sure you play games with your kids. From early age board games to playing strategic games as they get older can have so much value when it comes to your child’s development.
They Have The Tools And The Talent
When my oldest went off to preschool years ago, I remember her teachers telling us that parents are the number one teacher in their lives. There were certain skills that parents should teach their kids. From learning how to properly use scissors to learning how to tie their shoes, I made sure that I was teaching these things to my daughters. Beyond that I wanted to see how my wife and I could go beyond teaching those skills to help our kids grow year after year. One of the things that we found out is that playing board games with our kids can have a long lasting effect.
The Memories That Are Made
Playing games with your kids on the surface seems like it helps pass the time while having fun. Yet there is so much more that they gain from the power of play. One of my fondest memories that I will cherish is the conversations that we would have while playing games. We would talk about so many different topics. Some could lean more toward the serious side. On the flip-side we would rank the TinkerBell fairies from the movies. No matter the topic, these conversations help build their social skills. In addition, I loved how we all looked forward to playing games together. Even now as my kids are teenagers, we still make time to sit down and play games together. I see how these skills have helped them in school, create long lasting friendships and receive praise from their bosses in the part time jobs that they have had over these years.
Choose Your Own Path
Whether it is a lack of time or patience there have been games where the instructions read like you are preparing your taxes. While my wife and I are trying to understand the rules, our kids would take the game pieces and start crafting their own rules. My wife and I put down the manual and played by the new rules our kids made up. I enjoyed the creativity that they used in creating a fun and easy way to play the game. It didn’t matter if we were following the rules. We were having fun. That is what it is really all about. The board game is the vessel that takes your family to fun and interesting places. In addition, games help expand all of the skills that will help them succeed in life. So I say to you reading this, put down the phone. Pick up a board game that you think your family will enjoy and start playing! You can thank me later.
Please note: I am working with SimplyFun on a sponsored campaign. I am receiving payment for my work, but my thoughts are my own.