Wednesday, March 26, 2003
Games, kids and family
I found the following in an article by Evelyn Petersen appearing in Exceptional Parent Magazine. It's a little sad that we need to be reminded how important playing a game with the family is for children - and in deed everyone in the family. It's a little wonderful to find such a reminder so clearly and enthusiastically stated.
Playing games provides opportunities for success:
1) in participating; 2) in interacting with others; 3) in enjoying the challenge of the game; and 4) in enjoying a sense of mastery. The most important, though perhaps most intangible, benefit children get from playing games with their families is a strong sense of belonging or connectedness to the family group. The feeling of belonging is strengthened by the communication and laughter that happens when families play games together. It is a bond that is the foundation for the child's future interactions with others, when their friendships extend beyond family to peer groups. This bond is something strong and sturdy, which all children need to hold on to in a fast-paced, changing world.
Playing games provides opportunities for success:
1) in participating; 2) in interacting with others; 3) in enjoying the challenge of the game; and 4) in enjoying a sense of mastery. The most important, though perhaps most intangible, benefit children get from playing games with their families is a strong sense of belonging or connectedness to the family group. The feeling of belonging is strengthened by the communication and laughter that happens when families play games together. It is a bond that is the foundation for the child's future interactions with others, when their friendships extend beyond family to peer groups. This bond is something strong and sturdy, which all children need to hold on to in a fast-paced, changing world.
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