What type of game is more beneficial to your children: online games or board games? As our houses and our lives become more technological, more and more children are playing with video games and gadgets as their primary form of entertainment. Classic toys and games such as board games are being played less and less, and this is making some parents worried about their children’s development.
When comparing online games and board games, the answer is actually moderation. Both types of games can provide some benefits to your child, but if he or she only plays one type of game he will miss out on the benefits that other toys and games can provide.
Why Play Online Games?
As much as video games get maligned by parents and other adults, the right types of video games can actually teach your children a lot of different things. Virtually all video games help develop manual dexterity and teach children how to use technology.
When playing online games, a child will often have to quickly learn the rules of a game and then play it. Many online games also feature online communities where your kids can communicate and play together with other kids around the world. Whenever your young child is playing online, you should carefully monitor him and protect him from dangerous people online, but as long as you are keeping a close eye, he can learn a lot.
Some other things you can learn from online games:
- Following instructions
- Strategizing
- Multitasking
- Problem solving
- Pattern recognition
Why Play Board Games?
Though board games may seem really simple, they actually teach children many critical skills that will help them grow and develop into responsible grown-ups. Just like video games, your child will have to learn rules and then learn how to play within those rules. They will have to get used to playing with others, competing with others, and working together. Just the simple action of taking turns and waiting patiently can do wonders for a child’s development.
Board games are a social experience, and your child will learn numerous social skills. One of the most important is learning how to win and lose graciously. For a young child, accepting defeat and congratulating an opponent can be extremely difficult, but practice always makes perfect.
Other skills your child can learn from board games:
- Communicating and negotiating
- Addition and subtraction
- Decision making
- Reading comprehension
Sources:
http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/article/creativity-play/benefits-board-games
http://www.raisesmartkid.com/3-to-6-years-old/4-articles/34-the-good-and-bad-effects-of-video-games