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The problem for most parents is deciding what to get their child for their birthday, for Christmas, or as a bonus for doing their chores. There are so many choices - clothes, outings, games. As a mother of four, I've used them all, but top of my list for quality rewards and gifts are games that teach my children something important about life or allow them to practice their skills without realizing it. After all, how many children, especially young boys, respond positively to the question, "Let's do some maths skills development now?" However, ask them to play a game that teaches them maths skills, and their little eyes sparkle.

My favorite games, without naming specific products, are board games where my children have to be in control of their finances, their relationships and their decision-making. These kinds of games assist them to learn how to: count; manage money, risk and opportunities, and to make wise decisions whilst experiencing the consequences of their actions in a safe environment; manage their relationships with others, especially the competitive side of their nature; and vitally important, enjoy the experience of being successful. Even if they lose the game, it presents an opportunity to teach them about how to celebrate other's successes. I have fond memories of hours spent as a child playing with my cousins and friends during the holidays. Board games are especially good for very hot or rainy days, when outdoor play is limited.

Another favorite that rates very highly and I'm sure is a good reason why I am very good at mental maths and strategy, are card games. Growing up I spent many hours around the table watching then participating in card games with family members. Any kind of card game that requires recognition of numbers and objects is great for developing the brain's identification and matching skills. From Snap to Canasta, card games that don't involve gambling provide healthy opportunities for your child to enhance their skills. Strategy, counting, sorting, matching, negotiation, conflict resolution, and memory skills are all developed through card games. As a trainer, I know that these games exercise the neural pathways, which are like a muscle that with use becomes stronger and is essential for memory development.

Next are games that get my children outdoors. These have risk attached, being sun exposure and possible injury. However, the benefits outweigh the risks, so you have to love any kind of ball games. All these wonderful outdoor

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