Games, They Do a Family Good

As a pediatrician, I’m regularly asked for the best developmental tools for kids. Family games are one of my favorite ways to stretch mental abilities and to enjoy time together as a family. Games that are too easy and predictable are boring. Those that are too difficult are frustrating. And just the right stretch is a lot of fun. Here are a few of my favorite family games with age recommendations: Frog Juice This is a magical card game where you get to make potions, cast spells, mix ingredients and use fairy tale powers. Be prepared to use basic math and probability skills and toss around toadstools, eye of newt, or moon dust. Your goal is to capture the most powerful hand of cards to make your own wonderful wizardly potion. For 2-4 players. Recommended age: 8+. Best for kids between 7-12 and fun for adults to play with kids. Available here. Eye to Eye In this board game, you really get to learn how people you think you know well actually see the world. You’re given categories (like “things that have straps”) and have to come up with three things that you think will match up with the other players’ answers. Your goal is to see “eye to eye” and correctly anticipate what others will say. For 3-6 players. Recommended age: 10+. Great for kids and adults to play together. Available here. Forbidden Island A Mensa award winner, this cooperative game takes you on a journey to capture four sacred treasures from a forbidden island pa...
Source: Conversations with Dr Greene - Category: Child Development Authors: Tags: Dr. Greene's Blog Education Family Games Source Type: blogs