There are the classic board games that you have heard of, and maybe a few you haven't. We have built up quite a collection over the years and we are happy to share our top picks. One important note before we dive in - we don't let our kids win. It doesn't teach them anything and the world doesn't work like that. We help them and guide them as we learn a new game, but once they understand the game, we play with them as equals. Trust me it's way more fun that way and you will all get more out of the experience.
Let's get started. In no particular order because we love them all, here they are:
Settlers of Catan - it's a strategy game where the goal is to be the first to 10 points. You gather resources and make decisions about how to spend those resources. You can trade with other players but you should only do so if it benefits you. This was a tough lesson for our kids to learn as we have trained them from birth to share with others. Someone would ask for a resource, and they would happily hand it over. How nice of them, except it was something they needed. This is a game where you have to put your needs first. We started with Settlers of Catan Junior which introduces the basics of resources and provided an excellent transition to the more complicated mainstream game. We recommend this game for children 6 plus and it's great for adults as well. We often start a game and finish it over a few evenings because it can take a while. It's different every time you play it because the board changes, your strategy changes and the roll of the dice can change the course of the game.
Monopoly - it's a classic with countless variations and it's definitely in our rotation. We have many versions but we really only play the original. I like that it teaches the kids about money - the math aspect, how there is only so much of it, that we use it to buy things because they never see us use cash out in the world. There's the trading aspect too of course - kids learn to formulate a deal, negotiate and ultimately reap the rewards if they have been successful. There are Junior versions of Monopoly to help younger children with the structure of the game.
Pandemic - it's a strategy game where you work as a team to resolve a worldwide pandemic. You work together and decide on the best course of action to stop the spread and eliminate the virus. As the situation evolves, your team must adapt and use your individual skills to help the greater goal. We purchased this game in November 2019 and as our country and the world has progressed through the stages of an actual global pandemic, we have continued to play the game and have conversations with our children about real life events. We are not always successful but we are working as a team so win or lose we are sharing the end result.
Early Learning Games that are Super Fun:
Candyland - no numbers just colors, this game introduces basic concepts like taking turns, moving around a board along a path, and of course the proud accomplishment of winning, or the gracious acceptance of a loss as it was still a fun time with a friend. When our kids were little, we always had them shake hands and congratulate each other on a game well played. No sore winners or losers allowed.
Snakes and Ladders - amazing for learning basic numbers up to 100, as well as simple addition and subtraction. First they start by counting the spaces, then encourage them to do the math and jump to the space instead. If you play with two dice, count the dots on those and add them together as well. These are easy ways to start introducing numbers and math in a fun way.
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