Families Urged To Take Part In National Game Playing Week

Arts and Entertainment - Events

Monday, 18 October 2010 15:30

Written by Denise Lyons

Parents are being encouraged to leave the doom and gloom at the front door, turn off all the distractions around the home and bring out the board games to have fun playing together as a family.

The call comes ahead of the eighth annual National Game Playing Week, which runs during the school mid-term break from 22nd – 29th October.

Children’s play therapist, Annmarie Boon, says that a family game night playing board games is mutally beneficial for both parent and child. “Not only can it alleviate the stress of every day life for the parents, it also provides an environment where children can open up, be themselves and grow as people. You’ll be amazed how much you can learn about each other just by playing,” she said.

Games teach valuable social skills such as sharing, obeying rules, taking turns and winning and losing. They also enhance children’s decision-making, help maths skills as well as develop key skills needed for literacy and successful learning.

“It’s a good idea to set aside one evening during the week for a game night and to start it early enough before anyone becomes too tired,” says Boon. “If the age range of your children is too great to play any single game, divide the group into older and younger players or play in teams. If you’re a single parent or have an only child, occasionally invite family or friends over to play.”

One of the biggest challenges can be selecting the right game.  “For one-on-one time with younger children, games like Guess Who and Connect 4 are ideal as they are quick to play and don’t require lots of concentration.  When there’s more than one child, covering different age groups, families should look to games like Trivial Pursuit, Monopoly and Cluedo, even if you need to modify the rules, to hold the entire family’s interest,” she said.

Boon says there are some golden rules for a family game night: “While playing board games helps children learn, it is also vitally important to praise them, encourage them and laugh with them. Help your children when they show they need it or ask for it. Use it as a time to teach patience, problem solving, social skills and creativity.  And above all, have fun.”

For more information, downloads and tips about running your own family game night, log on to www.ngpw.ie and check in toy stores for special offers.