Games aren’t just about having fun—they can actually help kids learn some pretty important life skills. Whether it’s understanding what the police do or building confidence, the right games can teach lessons that stick.
So here’s a look at three types of games that are great for helping kids grow.
Strategy Games: Helping Kids Think Critically
Critical thinking is a big deal when it comes to solving problems and making decisions. Strategy games are awesome because they push kids to think ahead, weigh their options, and make smart choices—all things they’ll need as they get older.
You want to pick games that involve planning and strategy, like classic board games where you need to think a few steps ahead, or digital games that challenge kids to outsmart their opponents.
Imagine playing a board game where your child needs to decide whether to make a risky trade. Instead of just going for it, they pause to consider what could happen next and how it might affect their overall plan. This kind of thinking is super useful in real life, like when they need to figure out how to tackle a big school project or manage their time better.
Cooperative Games: Teaching Teamwork
Teamwork is key in so many areas of life, from group projects at school to sports and even family activities. Cooperative games are perfect for showing kids how to work together, communicate, and understand that everyone’s contribution matters.
Here, go for games that need players to work as a team, whether it’s solving puzzles together, completing a mission, or achieving a shared goal in a digital game. Focus on the importance of talking things through and solving problems together. And after the game, have a quick chat about how working as a team made the game more fun and successful.
Role-Playing Games: Building Empathy and Understanding
Empathy is all about understanding and caring about how other people feel, which is super important for making friends and getting along with others.
Role-playing games let kids step into someone else’s shoes, helping them see things from different perspectives and understand different emotions.
For example, say during a role-playing session, your child’s character has to decide whether to help a stranger or go after their own goals. As they think it over, they start to understand the stranger’s situation and how their choices could make a difference. It’s a fun way to help them learn about empathy and making thoughtful decisions—skills they’ll use in real-life situations with friends, family, and everyone else they meet.
Adding strategy, cooperative, and role-playing games to your child’s playtime are tools that can help your child grow into a well-rounded, thoughtful person. So next time you play together, remember to highlight these lessons and make the most of the experience!
