Game Play: Build Family Bonds and Social Skills
As you spend time with family in unique ways this holiday season, board games are a great way to connect and have some fun!
Playing board games gets everyone in the same room and helps family and friends across generations to have a great time. It also fosters the face-to-face interaction needed to connect deeply with each other and to develop traits of strong families.
In his book “Family Treasures: Creating Strong Families”, John DeFrain covers six qualities that strong, successful families around the world exhibit:
- enjoyable time together;
- appreciation and affection for each other;
- positive communication;
- spiritual well-being (values, beliefs, life skills);
- successful management of stress and crisis;
- and commitment to each other.
Board games also pave the path and builds a solid foundation for socio-emotional growth. Board games help develop interpersonal or “soft” skills: self-control, positive self-concept, social and communication skills, and executive function. These skills contribute to success in school and the future workplace.
Things to have in mind when carving out time for a game:
- Keep a stash of board games around the house.
- Look for cooperative games to encourage a sense of working as a team against the game.
- Try Euro-style games where players are not eliminated and de-emphasize conflict and luck.
- Choose a game that allows for compliments to be given.
- Provide support helping each other to understand the game. Be patient when others make mistakes.
- Only family members and friends are invited. Make it a rule that technology must be set aside until your game is over.
- Choose snacks that are not sticky or greasy to preserve your games.
Because we live in a busy world, finding time to spend together can be difficult. Maximizing our time with board games provides quality time together and a lifetime of memories.
Resources:
MF3401 Bonding Thru Board Games, Fact Sheet (ksu.edu)
MF3489 Bonding Thru Board Games: Developing Soft Skills, Fact Sheet (ksu.edu)
Bonding with Board Games: Snug as a Bug in a Rug - YouTube
Bonding with Board Games: Kikeriki - YouTube
Bonding with Board Games: Friends and Neighbors - YouTube