Family Resource Center: Play board game
Think about the last time you played a board game with a child. Has it been awhile? If so, you are not alone, but you can change that. Simply, play a board game with a child.
Whenever you play a game with a child, keep in mind there is a lot more going on than just playing a game. As the adult, you can model skills that are introduced and honed when children play board games.
There are 10 important skill-building concepts that develop when children play board games.
1. Taking Turns – Playing games teaches kids that there are appropriate times for everything.
2. Math Skills – Playing games give your children practice to improve their math skills.
3. Mental Agility – Playing games is a great opportunity to keep your mind flexible and active.
4. Thinking Ahead – Playing games are occasions in which children can hone the skill of thinking ahead.
5. Actions and Consequences – Playing games will allow children to develop the understanding of cause and effect.
6. Making Tough Choices – Playing games allows children to understand that actions have consequences and they must learn to make tough choices.
7. Teamwork – Playing games that focus on teamwork will focus on the strengths of all the players.
8. Being a Good Sport – Playing cooperative games allows parents to model how to be gracious, whether you win or lose.
9. Cutting the Electrical Cord – Playing games together provides important face-to-face interaction that is hard when children play computer or video games.
10. Building a Bond – Playing games together will increase the chances of having a strong on-going relationship with your children.
One final reason to play games with children…IT’S FUN!
Playing board games will not take a great deal of time from you and what you need to accomplish by the end of the day. However, think about this for a moment…the dishes will be there when the game is over, the laundry is not going anywhere, the vacuuming can wait; but your children are only going to be with you for a short period of time (18 years is not a long time). Take advantage of the time they want to play with you. HAVE FUN!
At the Lincoln County Family Resource Center, we are committed to supporting and strengthening families. If you should have questions or concerns about setting limits, guiding your child, and behavior management techniques staff at Lincoln County Family Resource Center can assist and support parents. For a wonderful opportunity for peer interaction and support, join us at Play and Learn on Tuesday mornings, 9:00a.m.-10:30a.m. at our new location (211 Genesee St., Merrill, WI 54452). Call Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin – Community Services at 715-539-9228 for more information.
We encourage you to find/like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NorthwoodsFRCN/.
Carmen Lehrer is a child and family service specialist at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin-Community Services.