As technology has developed, so have children’s interest in it. Long gone are the days where learning how to play LIFE around the kitchen table was rite of passage. Today’s kids, even from the toddler years, are becoming video game masters who able to teach themselves to play everything from Angry Birds to Solitaire independently. From handheld devices to online gaming, many families are missing out on some good old fashioned fun.
Why should families consider bringing back board game night?
1. For Personal Interaction – When families gather around to play a board game, personal connections naturally occur. While it’s still possible to have fun playing video games, board games allow the players to have actual face time and enjoy each other’scompany, and in effect strengthen and deepen family bonds.
2. For Hands-on Fun– While video games put a controller in the hands of children, the experience takes away from what the hands are capable of doing. Many people feel that the tactile aspect of a board game makes it feel more real than it would otherwise. For example, there is a difference when handling digital money on the screen while playing a video game than actually handling the money in a game of Monopoly on the kitchen table.
3. For Free Entertainment– For the price of a single new video game for a console or computer system, you could easily purchase several classic board games. Playing a few board games while munching on some favorite snacks can provide a low cost night of family fun.
4. For Longevity – Few video games can hold a player’s attention long after it has been beaten. With a board game, the element is completely randomized and you rarely ever the same experience twice. Storyline-based video games are linear and can only have specific outcomes. Although you can create strategies in a board game to become the best in the house, you will likely have a different experience every time you open the box.
5. For Variety – Many video games seem like they are centered on the same kind of plot. Often times, the storyline will stay the same but the characters will change. This isn’t saying that all video games are copies of each other, just that it seems like many of them provide for a similar experience.
When it comes to embracing family in entertainment, few venues can be as engaging and entertaining as playing a board game. Many of them promote reading, math skills, artistic ability and more in order to provide a unique experience. Instead of making a family movie night, why not explore the possibility of engaging your children on a more intellectual and personal level with a board game? Few activities can bring the family closer together.
With over 20 years of experience in the nanny world as an award-winning nanny, agency director, and parenting author, Michelle LaRowe is considered a leading industry expert. A mom herself, she loves to educate parents and nannies on the importance of quality in-home childcare. Find out more by visiting @eNannySource on Twitter.
