Benefits of Playing Board Games with Little Kids

Thanks to Spin Master for sponsoring today’s post and sending us a fun new Cars 3 game.

Tom and I have always loved playing board games. We have shelves full of them, but we’re just now starting to really add to our kid-friendly board games. I know, I know… playing a board game with your little kids may not sound like your idea of a fun time, but it can be! And it’s not just fun, there are benefits to playing board games with little kids, too!

There are many skills that can be enhanced by playing board games. Some of these benefits to playing board games with kids include:

1. Math – Most board games include simple math concepts: addition, subtraction, counting, number recognition, etc.

2. Reading – During a game kids may need to read game cards, instructions, or the board game itself.

3. Fine Motor Skills – There are usually plenty of small pieces to move around on the game board, dice to roll, or spinners to spin.

4. Cognitive Skills– Some of the cognitive skills used during a board game include understanding rules, logical thinking, problem solving, and creating a strategy.

One of the most important skills developed while playing board games with young children is social skills.

5. Taking Turns – For little ones, this is a rough one. During a board game there are plenty of opportunities to practice taking turns!

6. Controlling Emotions – Getting upset when something bad happens is okay, but how we act on it is a skill that little kids need practice with.

7. Winning and Losing – Everyone loves to win, but let’s face it: that does not always happen. Kids need to learn how to be good winners and good losers.

8. Patience – Not only do kids need to wait to take their turn, but they also need to be patient while someone is taking their turn. Patience is also part of getting ready for the game and setting up.

9. Following Rules – This is an every day life skill for sure. We all have rules to follow.

10. Working Together – Even if it’s not a team game, there are times you need to work together like setting up and cleaning up the game.

If you’re not aware, Cars 3 came out yesterday and we’re super excited about it! In fact, we added a new board game to our collection! Cars 3 – Risky Raceway is a hit with the kids already! Spin Master Games – Cars 3 toys are available now at Walmart and Toys”R”Us.

While playing our new Risky Raceway board game, the boys got to practice some of these important skills!

I love that the spinner has the number and then the coordinating number of dots underneath. This is great practice for those little kids that don’t quite have number recognition down, but can count.

We also worked on some strategy skills during the game. There are a couple of times during the game that there is a fork in the road.

One path is a “shortcut” and the other is a training path that will give you training tokens. Without those training tokens, you may get stuck on a hazard in the road! Charlie learned pretty quick that he wanted to take the longer route to earn those tokens!

Whether you take a shortcut or complete the training course, the first car to the Piston Cup finish line wins!