By Jessica Golba, LSW
Youth First
Growing up, and still to this day, game nights have been a reoccurring activity my family enjoys doing together. Whether it is our annual “Game Day” in the winter season where we all gather for a day of playing our favorite card and board games, or when visiting my family out of town where we try playing new games together, playing games has been a fun way for my family to bond. Reflecting on all the time my family spent together playing games, I recognize how strongly it impacted our relationship, without realizing it in the moment.
Alongside strengthening relationships, there are countless, hidden benefits in having family game nights. Focusing on the benefits for children, playing games has a strong influence on the development of a child. Playing games strengthens hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Examples of games that are especially good for fine motor skills include Jenga, Operation and any games that involve rolling dice and shuffling cards. Student grades have a high likelihood of increasing when a child plays games. Games entailing academic elements can help students prepare for and excel in school. Examples of games with academic elements include Uno, Scrabble and Chutes and Ladders. Problem solving is another developmental aspect playing games can affect. Certain games help with the growth of memorization skills, as well as assisting children in solving problems on their own. Parents and guardians hold a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate problem solving and teach new problem-solving skills when playing games with children. Examples of games that promote problem solving include Chess, Trouble, Connect 4 and Monopoly.
Additional benefits of playing games for children include growth in vocabulary and reading skills, building math skills and encouraging strategic thinking. At school, motivation levels increase and students have strong relationships with their peers. Children learn how to take turns, develop patience, practice playing fair, understand how to follow rules and gain the ability to predict outcomes. From watching their family win and lose games, children can develop sportsmanship in situations when they win and lose.
Playing games also has benefits for all members of the household. No matter how young a child is, they are positively impacted by their family playing games. Two to three-year-olds have the skills for beginner games or to participate some, and infants enjoy the noise of conversation amongst family members. Games promote family bonding through communication, working together and making memories. For adults, playing games can reduce stress and lower blood pressure through the release of endorphins when laughing. Not only are games an amazing way to help children develop in all aspects of their lives, they also create unforgettable memories you will have forever.
While it can be a challenge to add playing games with your family to the mix of work, sports practices, homework, school and other family commitments, there are creative ways to possibly partake in time to play games. Some ideas include playing a game after dinner, dedicating dates in advance to play games, playing games at birthday celebrations or even playing a small game for ten minutes.
Grab a game, your family and start your own family game night traditions!
Jessica Golba, LSW, serves as Youth First social worker at Annunciation Catholic School at Christ the King and Annunciation Catholic School at Holy Spirit campuses in Evansville.