I began selling toys a few years back. Through all the parents I’ve met and seminars I’ve attended, I can see how playing with your children is a great way to create a closeness and open up communication. But when your children get older, they no longer want to play with toys. However, they never outgrow games!
One of the best ways to create a parent/child bond is by having family game night. Since my son Alex, 6, is growing up so quickly, we have begun playing games two to three times a week. Though we sometimes include Billy, we often wait until the munchkin is in bed so that Alex can have mom and dad’s full attention.
One of the new games we bought is Blokus.
I actually have wanted it for a while, but didn’t want to shell out the $30 when I sell toys and games that are fun. But I love Tetris, and the shapes and colors always attracted me. Finally, we bought it!
I wasn’t sure if Alex would be able to play, but he caught on faster then my husband and I. You have different pieces that are blocks connected to each other. They look like Tetris pieces. You start at your corner and when you place a piece your corners must touch. As you spread out on the board, it’s harder to find a place for your pieces. Here’s a hint, place the larger and odder shaped pieces first. I highly recommend this game. Up to four players can play.
Another game we love at our house is A to Z, Jr. The goal is to be the first person to place a marker on all of your letters – A to Z. You pick a card and roll for your category. Then, you have to call out as many things as you can in a short amount of time (it comes with a timer).
For example, if you have fast food restaurants, you could call out: Arby’s, Burger King, Chic Fil A, Dairy Queen, Subway, Wendy’s, Popeye’s, and so on.
You can also play competitively where if you roll the side with a hand holding a circle, you can pull off pieces from your opponents board. This is one game Alex gave his teacher for a gift.
Remember, never stop playing with your kids! It’s one of the best ways to stay young.