Why you should play games with your kids!

Before there were computers and video games in every child's hands they had to do more mentally and hands on things to keep occupied. So did their parents. That meant family game nights where everyone sat down together and played Life or Monopoly.  There are so many reasons this was important more important then perhaps it seemed to all involved. Time spent together chatting built stronger bonds between all family members. Winners learned how to do so gracefully while losers learned they can't always be number one. There is another aspect though that now as a grown up and more importantly a homeschooling Mama, I now see.  Most games not only supported children's learning it taught them too! Every card read, numbers counted and strategy configured built skills much needed for the kids and parents need that as well. The brain is a muscle, use it or lose it!

Younger children up through adults need to use their memory and matching skills for most of life. Games such as Memory, Mahjong, Uno and pretty much all card games utilize these important skills that are used everywhere in our lives. Perhaps instead of memory apps a game with the kiddos or friends is a better option.

Games that support language arts skills such as Scrabble and Boggle do so obviously as they are spelling games. Not as obvious to everyone is games such as Monopoly which yes is awesome for money management but also supports reading at every part. You read the names, the cards and practice as you go. Not to mention Trivial Pursuit also a game with a lot of reading and fact learning!

Math skills seem to be a big theme in games in general.  From matching numbers with Dominos to building number lines (straights) in cards and Yahtzee. What better way to teach adding  then Black Jack and Rummy! 

Strategy is also another strong theme in family games. Jenga is all about thinking about structures while Risk, Chess and even Checkers is all about planning your next move. All sorts of skills are used when one plans out a Domino chain fall. From how far apart to put the blocks to the design, even timing in more intricate configurations.

The point here is get off your devices, get your kids off their devices and do something good for all of your brains. Something good for your family bonds. Playing games is an amazingly under utilized tradition that needs to be brought back. It's not a waste of time. Memories will be made playing games with your family that will last far longer then if you beat that level on that app.

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