Now that summer is halfway over, plus or minus, I have been hearing from families that they are struggling with the unstructured nature of summer. I get it, and I totally acknowledge that in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, finding activities that bring families together can be a challenge. So, I suggest we go old-school and play games as a family. From classic board games to modern video games, multi-generational game playing offers many benefits, especially for children.
Strengthening Family Bonds
Playing games as a family creates a shared experience that strengthens familial ties. Children, parents, and grandparents can all participate, fostering a sense of belonging. This shared activity encourages open communication and helps build a support system where children feel valued and understood. We all want to feel connected and belong. ANDDDDD, spending quality time with family members through game-playing can significantly boost a child’s emotional well-being.
Learning Important Social Skills
Games are a fantastic way for children to learn and practice social skills. Kids learn to interact positively with others through turn-taking, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Multi-generational play further enriches this experience as children learn to navigate social dynamics with individuals of different ages, enhancing their ability to communicate and empathize. Imagine the 82-year-old grandmother and the 10-year-old granddaughter playing Boggle. I recently had the opportunity to witness this exchange, and it was beautiful.
Enhancing Cognitive Abilities
Many games require strategic thinking, problem-solving, and critical thinking—skills that are crucial for a child’s cognitive development. Whether it’s planning the next move in chess or figuring out how to build a winning strategy in a board game, these activities stimulate the brain and enhance cognitive abilities. Playing with older generations, who may offer wisdom and different perspectives, can further challenge and expand a child’s thinking. I just learned about an electronic game on the app store (I know, more screen time- but this is a goodie) called Last Letter First- check it out.
Teaching Valuable Life Lessons
Games often mirror real-life scenarios and dilemmas, providing a safe environment for children to learn valuable life lessons. Concepts such as fairness, patience, and perseverance are integral to game playing. Through observing and interacting with adults during games, children learn how to handle wins and losses gracefully, an invaluable skill in real life. I like Jenga for this one, among others.
Encouraging Intergenerational Learning
Games offer a unique platform for intergenerational learning. Children can teach their grandparents how to play the latest video games, while grandparents can introduce classic games from their childhood. Or even teach the family the games that they play today. This exchange of knowledge and skills keeps traditions alive and fosters mutual respect and understanding between generations. This is where American Mah Jogg comes in for my little family, and it makes my heart sing.
So, next time you’re looking for an activity that everyone can enjoy, consider pulling out a game and watching the magic unfold.
xoxo,
Dr. Marnee