👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Want to pass on your passion for board games to your children? Here are some practical tips.
Playing board games with your children: a question of method, not of game
Have you ever wondered how to share your love of games with your children? The key isn’t so much in the choice of games as in how you present them. Today, let’s explore together the secrets of a successful family fun experience.
A gentle approach: the semi-solitary game
Introduce a new game to your children by opting for what is called “semi-solitary play”. Play open hands : Show the cards and present a few options to your child each turn. Let him make his own choices. Explain the rules as needed, but gradually reduce your advice as he learns.
This method is particularly effective with cooperative games. You can support multiple aspects of the game without ruining your child’s experience.
Choose games that you like too
Don’t limit yourself to games designed exclusively for children! Your children will often be captivated by what you are passionate about. Certain themes, like dinosaurs, may appeal to them more. However, games without a specific theme, like Uno Or Trioare just as effective.
The important thing is to choose games that you enjoy yourself. If you like a game, chances are your child will like it too.
“Disability”: a valuable tool
When your child is ready to play competitively, introduce a “disability” to balance the game. The goal is for your child to win sometimes, but not always. By using reasonable handicaps, he will learn to manage victory and defeat. The question of whether to always let your child win is a tricky one and varies with each family.
There are two types of disabilities:
- Rigid handicaps : they modify the rules in favor of the child (bonus points, additional moves, etc.).
- Flexible disabilities : They involve you limiting your own play to explore sub-optimal strategies, while maintaining an interesting level of challenge for you.
The benefits of family gaming
Playing board games as a family offers many benefits. It is an excellent way to:
- To strengthen the ties : Play helps build strong relationships.
- Learn to resolve conflicts and to manage the frustration of defeat.
- Promote learning and language development.
- Encourage teamwork and communication.
Additionally, board games are a healthy alternative to screens, especially in the digital age. By choosing games aligned with their interests, you encourage your children to leave their electronic devices behind for a more enriching and fun activity.
Finding time to play
It can be difficult to find time to play as a family. Here are some tips for integrating board games into your family routine:
- Communicate : Talk with your family about the importance of spending time together. Your children should feel that you enjoy their company.
- Establish a weekly slot : Agree on days and times that suit everyone to meet up and relax.
- Set limits on screen time : Establish clear rules about screen use. Explain why this balance is beneficial for the whole family.
- Find games that match their interests : There are games for almost every taste and theme. Choose games that resonate with their passions.
- Explore a fun café or game bar (like ours?): These places are perfect for discovering new games before buying them. They offer the opportunity to test and find the ones you like the most.
Games for all ages and tastes
Are you wondering which games to choose for your children? There are options for all ages and abilities.
For the youngest :
Opt for simple games with easy to understand rules. Cooperative games like The Egg Dance Or My First Orchard are perfect for developing mutual aid and communication. Observation and memory games, such as Dobble Or Memorystimulate concentration in a fun way.
For school-age children :
The possibilities are limitless. Strategy games, such as Rail Adventurers, 7 Wonders ArchitectsOr Carcassonne, get them thinking while having fun. Speed ​​games, such as Jungle Speed Or Bizarre Bazaar, test their reflexes. Deduction games, such as Kronologic Or Mysteriumallow them to play detectives.
For teenagers and adults :
They will enjoy more complex games and intellectual challenges. Management games, like Puerto Rico Or Terraforming Mars, immerse them in captivating worlds. Bluff games, such as Poker Or The Werewolves of Thiercelieux, test their ability to detect lies. Narrative games, such as Time’s Up! Or Dixitstimulate their creativity and sense of humor.
Let’s tackle a subject that concerns all parents: playing with our children even when we don’t want to. You’re not alone if you’ve ever forced yourself to play!
Is gaming a parental “duty”?
Dora, a mother, shared her experience during a workshop on playful parenting. She sometimes forced herself to play with her son, even without energy. For what ? Because she thought she had to always be ready to play, to the detriment of her own emotions. This feeling is exhausting.
Although I encourage parents to play with their children, it is crucial not to turn this into another obligation. Authenticity and respect for our emotions are essential.
Accepting your emotions, the key to a fulfilling game
Dora realized that it was better to accept yourself as you are. Recognizing when you are not ready to play is a healthy approach. There is no need to feel guilty or see yourself as a bad parent. After all, it’s just a passing state of mind.
She also discovered that she didn’t need to explain the whole situation to her son. Offering to play later and taking care of yourself are the best ways to handle this situation.
Finding the balance between play and authenticity
Dora explained how she manages to reconcile two important values. She connects with her son through play while remaining true to his mindset. This can be as simple as recognizing your reluctance to play, noticing that you are sad, worried, or tired. Once these feelings are clearly identified, we can accept them and be kind to ourselves. Sometimes the desire to play resurfaces spontaneously, without any pressure.
There are also times when we need to create a little more space for the emotions that prevent us from engaging in play. This means taking time for ourselves, whether through meditation, introspection, or simply a moment of calm. No need to feel guilty, because everything becomes lighter with your child after this time for yourself.
Some practical advice
With Dora’s findings in mind, here are my expert tips for playing with your kids:
- If you want to play, go for it!
Jump into the game with enthusiasm. - If you’re not 100% motivated, but you can get started, give yourself a little push.
Sometimes a little effort can transform your mindset. - If other strong emotions overwhelm you, acknowledge them.
Be kind to yourself when sadness, fatigue, or anxiety is present. This recognition can be enough to bring you closer to your child and let the desire to play emerge naturally.
When emotions take over
If strong emotions prevent you from playing, don’t ignore them by forcing yourself. As Dora mentioned, this creates a disconnect between yourself and your child. Being authentic and true to your emotions doesn’t mean you have to explode or put your child in the position of being a therapist.
You can gently explain to your children that you need to express certain emotions before you are ready to play. Then take care of those emotions, whether by sharing them with a trusted friend, writing in a journal, or reflecting. Let the tears flow if necessary, exercise, or get out into nature. Your child will be there, ready to play, once you’re recharged and your playful heart is awakened.
The game, a precious ally
Let’s not forget that play is a great tool for building relationships with our children. It stimulates their imagination, their creativity, and their ability to solve problems. It is also an excellent way to communicate and share moments of complicity.
For the game to fully fulfill its role, it must remain a shared pleasure, not an obligation. By listening to our own needs and emotions, we can offer our children a parent who is present, authentic, and fulfilled in play.
Conclusion
So, dear readers, the next time you are about to play with your children, take a moment to ask yourself: “Do I really want this right now? » If the answer is yes, dive into the game with enthusiasm. If not, give yourself the right to postpone this moment of play until later, without guilt.
The game is a wonderful adventure to share with the family, as long as you listen to yourself. So, let’s play, laugh, share… but always respecting our emotions and our authenticity. This is the key to fun and fulfilled parenting.
And you, how do you experience these moments of play with your children? Share your experiences, your tips, your questions… We all have to learn from each other on this exciting journey that is parenthood.
Start creating unforgettable moments with your children today. Grab a game and roll the dice!
Remember, the main thing is to have fun and spend quality time together. It doesn’t matter who wins or loses, the important thing is to create valuable memories and pass on the love of the game to the new generation. So, get ready, get ready, play!
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In your opinion, what are the essential board games to have in your family game library? Which ones appeal to both young and old and which always create wonderful moments of complicity and sharing?
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