Tip—Children automatically practice their social skills while playing games.

Last week we discussed some of the learning benefits kids get from playing organized games—both active, movement games and board games. This week we’ll look a little more at the specific social skills children gain and hone while enjoying themselves playing organized games.

During family game play children can learn about themselves and become aware of others—tasks like waiting for a turn, following directions/rules, cooperating with others, and solving problems all can be practiced while playing games. The better your child is at these social tasks, the easier life will be. Learning takes time and practice. What better way to practice than by having fun playing games together?

Educators recommend that the games you purchase and play with your kids involve choice. After they’ve mastered simple games that only call for following directions, they can start to make decisions and solve problems in the game play. This is valuable practice.

Tools—Counselor Laurie Simons, author of Taking “No” for an Answer and Other Skills Children Need, notes that cooperative games are perfect for teaching values such as: including one another (even if ability levels are different), allowing someone else to be first (or “win”) now and again, working together toward a common goal, being willing to try out others’ ideas. Here is a simple game, drawn from her book.

Me First

This game helps children practice coping with not being first every single time.

You’ll find more practical tips you can use right now in Taking “No” for an Answer and Other Skills Children Need by Laurie Simons, M.A.

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