GAMES THAT TEACH CHIDLREN SOCIAL SKILLS

Educational games: board games entertain children and help them develop new skills. Learn more with advice from the Baby Research Center.

EDUCATIONAl PLAYTIME

Board games help children perfect their abilities and set the foundation for acquiring social skills.

FAMILY PLAYTIME: MORE THAN JUST A CHANCE TO HAVE FUN TOGETHER

Spontaneous play comes naturally to your child, but more structured activities - such as board games - require a set of fairly complex rules that need to be learned. The objective behind these games is to entertain your child while developing their potential and teaching them how to play with others.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES INCLUDE FOSTERING SOCIAL SKILLS AND OTHER ABILITIES 

Structured games help your child grasp new concepts and put their verbal, mnemonic, tactile and cognitive skills to the test. Children below the age of five - and often older children as well - are quite egocentric. As they play they learn to wait their turn, accept the rules of the game, address rivalry and conflict, and learn to lose well.

EACH AGE RANGE COMES WTH ITS OWN SKILLS

When choosing games for infants and children you need to account for your child's abilities and keep in step with their development. A 2-year-old is capable of imagination and is already capable of playing with others, a 3-year-old has a clear grasp of colours and perceives differences, a 4-year-old learns to accept defeat and form alliances against a common enemy, while a 5-year-old can craft full-blown strategies.

HAVING FUN WITH MUM AND DAD

What game should you choose for your child? Starting at age 2, family board games are a particularly good choice. Sharing reinforces your child's sense of security, helping them feel loved and accepted. At the same time, it helps parents learn more about their little one and imparts core values such as respect for others.