Do you force your kids to play board games?
Have you ever forced your kids to play board games or card games?
Or does that word “force” seem too strong?
Maybe you’ve just “strongly encouraged” them to play a family board game when they weren’t interested.
Just because the word “force” can carry such a bad connotation, doesn’t mean that it’s a bad thing. After all, we also “force” our kids to brush their teeth, make their beds, and do their homework – all things that they may not be interested in. And most parents would agree with this. (We’re not talking about physical force/abuse – that’s definitely a bad thing.)
But when it comes to our entertainment choices, we second guess ourselves.
A big part of life is being exposed to new things and experiences that you may not know you’re interested in until you give it a try. The same is true with games and other family activities. So a lot of family activities may be “forced” at first.
We’ve forced our kids to do a lot of things that they aren’t interested in at the time like attending a sibling’s piano recital, soccer game, or school play. Of course, when they’re little, they typically don’t have a choice in the matter – they have to come along. But as they grow and become more independent they like to assert their independence to not participate in various activities.
As a parent it’s often tough to determine which battles are worth fighting and when we need to take a stand and push for certain experiences and family participation and interaction. If we feel it’s important, then we need to teach it. And often it requires a mandate and going against what they’d rather do.
The times that I find myself “forcing” our kids to play board games is usually when playing new games for the first time – games they aren’t familiar with yet. They don’t know what they’re getting into. And after a while of being exposed to new things, they’re much more willing to play games on other nights. And we’ll typically let them choose games that they’d like to play. That way they aren’t feeling “forced” and we can have fun spending time together.
So pulling a game off the shelf and gathering your kids around the table may at times feel like your forcing them to have fun. But chances are, if you’re willing to sit down and spend time with them, they’re going to appreciate it. And like so many other activities, repetition and practice makes it much easier and more enjoyable down the road.
And those “Force Cards” that Trevor gave me for a Christmas present are still sitting on my dresser untouched. We’ve played a bunch of games since Christmas and I still haven’t to use a Force Card on him at all.
I recently became an uncle. It’s only a matter of time before my niece will find out that she loves board games. It’s in her blood.
And that discovery will be great.
When we have board game night (2nd Tuesday of the month) we each pick a game and each person has the option of opting out of 1 of them. So if I pick a game my youngest son doesn’t like, he can opt out. Usually the kids don’t ever opt out but I sometimes do, to take a break and cook our dinner. 🙂
Fatcat – That sounds like a great system. And breaks are great when you’re playing a bunch of games in a row.
Well, I do use board games to sometimes “force” them to get off electronic games. When they’ve had enough of the computer, Wii, DSI’s, or iPods, then it’s time to sit down and interact with flesh and blood. Of course, “force” usually sounds harsher than the situation really is. 🙂
Also, like you, sometimes I’ll need to force them to stick with a new game a couple times. After one play, they may not like the game just because it’s very different from what they’re used to (I’ve blogged about that before). If they stick with it a few games, it’ll grow on ’em, but sometimes you have to make them “keep on keeping on.”
Jason – so true. Of course, I’ve also found that sometimes the kids force me to play a game with them too. And sometimes it’s tough to drop a project to sit down and play. But I try to remember that when they’re ready to spend time with dad is the best time to take advantage of their mood. I may end up being up later those nights after they’re in bed to get my stuff done, but it’s worth it.
Well, I do use board games to sometimes “force” them to get off electronic games. When they’ve had enough of the computer, Wii, DSI’s, or iPods, then it’s time to sit down and interact with flesh and blood. Of course, “force” usually sounds harsher than the situation really is. 🙂
Also, like you, sometimes I’ll need to force them to stick with a new game a couple times. After one play, they may not like the game just because it’s very different from what they’re used to (I’ve blogged about that before). If they stick with it a few games, it’ll grow on ’em, but sometimes you have to make them “keep on keeping on.”
I hear ya, Trent! 🙂
I hear ya, Trent! 🙂
I like to make deals. If you play X, I will play Y, etc. It’s about the only way I can get my daughter to play Race for the Galaxy or Eminent Domain. Fortunately, she likes many games. I do occasionally “force” her and her sisters/cousins/friends into playing new prototypes!
I like to make deals. If you play X, I will play Y, etc. It’s about the only way I can get my daughter to play Race for the Galaxy or Eminent Domain. Fortunately, she likes many games. I do occasionally “force” her and her sisters/cousins/friends into playing new prototypes!
I think playing board games are fun but it’s all about having fun, so it would be best to give them the choice of games