Kids love to play, so games are a major part of their lives. Choosing the
right games for you kids can be a challenge. It needs to be fun, but you
also want them to "get something" from the games. There are new games
coming out all the time, but sometimes the classics are still the best.
Outdoor games - Outdoor games are a great way to encourage teamwork and get
exercise at the same time. Softball, baseball, wiffleball are always a hit.
Badminton and volleyball are inexpensive, and a lot of fun for everyone.
There are also games that require no equipment, like Tag and Duck, Duck,
Goose, that are always favorites.
Board games - Board games are a great way to spend family time, and
encourage taking turns and playing by the rules. There are the classic
board games, like Candyland for younger children. Then games like Clue,
which encourage logic and puzzle solving and Monopoly, where they can learn
about money. There are also many trivia games that help test knowledge and
have a little fun, too.
Card games - Card games are always a fun family activity. Simple games like
Go Fish and Old Maid help kids learn to match. Other card games, like
Cribbage, can help with math skills. There are other specialty card games,
like UNO, which are also good for matching and following directions.
Computer/video games - There are an almost unlimited number of computer and
video games, with new systems coming out all the time. Not all the games are
bad. There are quite a few educational games, as well. The best games
encourage creative thinking, puzzle solving and help improve hand eye
coordination. The key is checking out games, through reviews and other
parents, before buying a new game for your children.
On-line games - There are several websites that provide kid-friendly and
educational games. PBS Kids, Nick Jr. and others have games that feature
the kids' favorite characters, and help them learn skills while having fun.
Parents always need to supervise the sites to make sure they are safe for
kids.
If all else fails, give them an empty box, some crayons and see what
happens.