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Family game time is not only an easy way to spend quality time with children, but it also teaches them important life long lessons. In our busy society, enjoying activities together one day a week is a way to reconnect with our family. It doesn't have to take an enormous amount of time; even just thirty minutes together can build a strong bond between parents and children.

Making family time in our busy schedules shows children that they are important and valued members of the family helps with self esteem and images of self worth. By playing games together we can open the lines of communication and give our child our undivided attention. If we allow them to pick the game they wish to play, they will learn decision making skills and confidence. By following set rules and patterns, children learn the importance of boundaries, sharing, taking turns, and patience. These skills will help them now and later in life.

It has been proven that games are a fantastic way to build intelligence and creativity in children and adults. Even simple games like Memory, Candy Land, and Chutes and Ladders require memory and promote color associations. Connect Four and even Tick Tack Toe promotes a basic understanding of numbers and counting, as well as strategy and problem solving skills. At a young age, we can teach children to think through their problems to come up with a solution. And we allow them to practice decision making skills in a fun, safe, and controlled environment.

As our children master simpler games, we can introduce more complex and challenging ones. This will reinforce skills already learned and teach them new ones. And losing is also a necessary learning experience. In today's society we get so caught up on not letting our children experience unpleasant events. This is not a realistic expectation. Learning how to lose graciously is an important skill to learn young. As adults we know that we cannot always win. Imagine if an adult never experienced failure onto to lose at another point in his or her adult life. Such a minor set back could turn into a catastrophe. Instead, it is prudent to teach our children that we cannot win all the time, and that losing is not a cause for distress. It happens and we can move on. Teaching children how to handle disappointment is necessary to facilitate a healthy and happy future.

There are a vast number of games on the market to enjoy. It is never too late to begin a family tradition. All it takes is one night a week set aside to consistently spend time together as a family. There are so many benefits to only thirty minutes a week. In this busy society, we should all slow down and make time for one another. And what better way to have fun and learn life long skills then playing a game together?

Learn more about this author, Lillian Joyce.
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