Games
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Frequently Asked Questions
My
child threw his game pieces when he lost. He has a hard time controlling
his frustration.Choose games with lower conflict potential or games that are entirely cooperative. If you have a foursome, consider playing as partners. At the first sign of aggression or loss of control, stop the game immediately. Put the game away to play another day, or set it aside and return to it only when the child tells you he or she is ready to play. Don't make threats or demands. Just stop the game immediately. The game may also be too complicated. Your child may be less frustrated with a simpler game.
My child is having a difficult time understanding the rules.
If a child struggles with a game, consider simplifying the rules to help the child participate. If other children are playing, change the rules only if they agree. You may have chosen a game that is too difficult for the child to understand.
Is it ok to change the rules of a game?
Sure. Long-time gamers often create "house rules" that they believe improve the play of a game. They key is consistency. Frequent changes in rules can frustrate participants because they never become comfortable with how a game plays. Rules should be stable during play, unless all players enthusiastically support a change.
Should I let my child win?
Playing games with children is essentially an art form. Letting children win all the time creates a false impression of their abilities. In addition, learning to lose graciously is an important aspect of gaming for children. The best response is to play like you are a carbon copy of your child's age and ability. Match the child and make the game challenging. Win some and lose some. Try to make the game close. There will come a time when the child wins outright, and you will be challenged to play to your full ability. Up to that time, have fun seeing your child having fun and slowly improving.
These games seem expensive.
Quality costs. Keep in mind that quality games tend to hold their value and hold up better over time. Good games can be passed to your children to play in their own families. In some cases, you might find a game's value increase dramatically when it goes out-of-print. Do some homework before you buy. If the game completely fails, try selling it on Ebay or some other auction website. Visit the newsgroup rec.arts.games.board.marketplace and sell or trade the game.
Some of these games are imports. I don't know German.
The German games on our recommended list come with rules in English. I do not include games on our list that have a lot of German on the playing pieces. Language should be no problem in game play.
If you have questions you would like me to answer or would like to comment about my responses, send them to the author. Insert "FAQ" in the subject line. If you have used these resources for your family, we need your feedback. Please visit the program evaluation page to leave your comments for us.
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Home: Programs/Courses/Elements/Stories/Opinions/Humor/Games Contact us/Help http://www.ksu.edu/wwparent/games/faq.htm-- Revised: April 19, 2003 Copyright © 1996-2003 Charles A. Smith. All rights reserved. |