Do our kids know how to really entertain themselves or have they learned to use electronic devices to fill the void of engaging themselves with family and friends. Have their social skills become numbed with video games, TV and music plugged into their ears? When free time does come on those rainy or too hot days, kids get bored way too easily. I believe that getting kids to regularly play board games will give them life skills that will not only be beneficial thru life but also will give them a life time of pleasure.
It may be hard to imagine how something as insignificant as playing a game can actually better your ability to both live and succeed in life. Nonetheless this is my assertion. Have a look and see if you agree with me. I feel strongly that board games can really give people (especially children) a chance to understand and better their lives.
There really is a new trend with twenty-first century kids. Perhaps because we have over programmed and scheduled and micromanaged our children, many have a tough time enjoying their own company and entertaining themselves. So when it comes to free time, they can get perplexed. Their solution: plugging into computers, televisions or video games or saying those dreaded words that every parent hates to hear: “I’m bored!”
Board games provide a great boredom solution, as your children interact with each other, or perhaps as you play and interact with them. Not only do board games fill those lazy afternoons, but they also refine your child's problem solving strategies. Don't tell the kids that you have educational motives. As they come up with strategies, they develop problem solving strategies. As they move pieces, they develop their counting, as well as manual dexterity. Older children can help the younger, and thereby, family relationships are strengthened. Jr. Edition games are often well suited to the younger kids' developmental stages, while older kids may relish some traditional strategy games such as chess. Many traditionally popular board games are developed anew around a particular theme, making them new again, tying into a current interest of the youngsters.
There are some favorite board games that endure that we all have spent hours playing. There are amazing new games out there that you can discover offering all kinds of wonderful game play as well. Family game nights are popular. Fill some of your summer afternoons with game time, precious moments to interact with and enjoy your children. You will discover their gifts and talents, their strengths and weaknesses, their patience or impatience, as you play an afternoon board game, see who is good at different games, or check their dexterity skills that get used in some games. Board games are great teaching tools, and great parenting tools. Plus, they're just plain fun.
Just teach a game once and your kid can teach the rest of the neighborhood. This will offer hours of neighborhood interaction and play.
Isn’t it ironic that we have to teach kids how to play and occupy “alone time”? Beware, childhood is being redefined, and it’s not always positive. I’m also convinced just a little more time at play would reduce a lot of kid stress. Hopefully I’m not the only one! Ultimately, if children enjoy playing board games in their youth, they will look forward to those rainy days throughout their lives and have ample skills to fill and entertain themselves with a simple board game.
About Griddly Games
Griddly Games creates award-winning party and board games that deliver innovative, engaging fun that brings people together while encouraging social interaction, learning, strategy and challenges that anyone (the entire grid of people) can enjoy. To discover more about Griddly Games, visit www.griddlygames.com.
