We keep hearing about the dangers of screen use and how it's a good idea for the whole family to do a digital detox. So what to do? Let's go back to playing board games!
Some board games may be expensive, but it is indeed an investment. Here are some of the benefits of why you and family should schedule a board game night. Turn off the TV and put your phones away while you play!
Board games help practice math skills
Board games with math skills allow children to practice counting such as the times he rolled the dice and the spaces he is entitled to move his peg. Aside from counting, your child also learns numbers, shapes, and color recognition as well as grouping and tallying scores! Your child won't even notice he's doing math because he's having fun!
A board game can foster literacy and language skills.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOWThe best way young kids learn is through play. With board games, your 4-year-old can practice recognizing letters and reading the words. It promotes reading comprehension and correct grammar. Games like Boggle or Scrabble help expand your child's vocabulary.
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It helps improve cognition and motor skills.
Many board games deal with cognitive functions such as focus, memory, information retention, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. These skills are best instilled when one is young, and the best way to do it is to keep playing. Your child can also learn strategy, persistence, and critical thinking skills. A few board games use hand-eye coordination exercises, which can help your child's motor skills as well.
Make sure you choose board games that are age-appropriate for your child. It's a bonus if you find one that matches your little one's interest. You should also add variety to board games you play to avoid boredom.
Kids learn social skills by playing board games
CONTINUE READING BELOWwatch nowJust like with sharing toys, playing board games help children learn about basic social skills such as taking turns, waiting, following directions, and playing fair. It also gives you and your child face-to-face interaction, which is vital in relationship building. Kids can also learn about action-reaction and consequences, communication, and even negotiation in preparation for the outside world.
It can help your child learn about winning and losing.
Young kids will want to win all the time, and that's okay at first. Sometimes you need to help them win to hold their interest and boost their confidence. But use board games as an opportunity to teach him about winning fairly and losing gracefully.
Board games can help them see that not everything will turn out the way they like it or in their favor. Kids need to experience failure. It's how he can have grit and a growth mindset.
Board games help lower your child's stress and ups his mental health.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOWDid we mention quality family time? If you keep it fun, you're making deposits in your child's emotional bank account. Kids stress less when they spend more time with their parents and without distracting gadgets. When you make sure your child has a great time, he will remember it for sure. You might also find yourself enjoying and more relaxed after a great board game!
