8 Reasons Your Child Should Play Board Games

By Dana Corriel MD
Board Game Benefits
Board games are fun, first and foremost. My words are always met with pleasure when the words, “Let’s play!” escape my lips. The announcement is usually followed by the loudly happy rummaging through the chest of games, and a big, wide smile appears as they finally find the winner- the chosen one.
But board games have health benefits, too.
The following are eight ways in which board games teach our children valuable life lessons:
1 They make us happy
Engaging in a game stirs up our inner competition, and pushes us to strive towards a goal. This releases endorphins and gives us something that occupies our time, and which serves a purpose (to win the game, and have fun while getting there)
2 They teach children how to lose
It sucks to lose. But what’s worse is winning to a sore loser. When we win fair and square, we want to enjoy that moment, and not have to explain our win, or console others. Children who play regularly, and are challenged, learn that it’s ok to be on the losing end sometimes. And let’s face it, losing serves as a motivating drive to get even better and that’s a lesson that’s ultra important for our kids.
3 They help children expand their planning skills
Games almost always require thinking ahead. Children must form these thoughts in their heads, plan their moves out, and then proceed. It’s a necessary part of their lives, as they get older and we, as parents and their initial decision-makers, take a step back.

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4 They keep children off of electronics
The jury is still out on just how much time children should spend with their screens. The latest study shows we may be too harsh on just how bad this exposure can be  A colleague and friend, pediatrician Yael Wapinski, MD shared her thoughts on this issue here on the website. Regardless of how you feel about the issue, board games offer a perfect respite to the electronic addiction our youth is facing.