How to Play Any Board Game with Kids in 35 Simple Steps

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Playing board games with kids can feel like an adventure in itself! While game instructions might claim to be straightforward, the reality is often a bit more chaotic. Here’s a light-hearted look at the 35 steps I take to navigate this family fun time:

1. Agree to play a game with the kids.
2. Break up the squabble over which game to choose.
3. Reach a compromise: one round of each child’s preferred game.
4. Settle the debate over whose game starts first by promising dessert if they stop arguing.
5. Discover that game one is missing some pieces.
6. Opt to kick things off with game two instead.
7. Realize game two has missing pieces as well, but hey, fewer than game one!
8. Send the kids on a mission to find a penny to replace the missing piece.
9. Close your eyes and recharge while they are on the hunt; you’ll need it for the game ahead.
10. Once they return, start picking out game pieces.
11. Break up another fight over who gets to use the penny piece.
12. Threaten to use the penny yourself if they can’t figure it out.
13. Remind the kids how to play the game.
14. Take your turn.
15. Gently nudge one child that it’s finally her turn.
16. Remind that child about the rules again.
17. Take your turn.
18. Politely ask one child to remove the card from her mouth.
19. Take your turn again.
20. Remind another child that you’ve already explained the rules twice and he was the one who wanted to play!
21. Consider winning but hold back to avoid tears over a short game.
22. Put on your best poker face and let them win, patting yourself on the back for being a great parent.
23. Notice cheating accusations flying around and the younger sibling has flung her piece across the room.
24. Exclaim, “This is why we can’t have nice things!” as you search for the missing piece.
25. Find another penny to act as the lost game piece.
26. Take a deep breath and kindly ask for a turn so you can wrap this game up already.
27. Take your turn.
28. Call out one child’s name repeatedly to prompt her turn.
29. She wins.
30. Agree to continue playing for second and third place to keep the peace.
31. Let the other child take second place, again.
32. Pretend to be disappointed with third place.
33. Start singing the “Clean Up Song” while you’re the only one tidying up.
34. Think you’re in the clear for board games until they remind you about the earlier compromise.
35. Go back to Step 4 and prepare for round two!

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In summary, playing board games with kids is a delightful yet often chaotic experience. From settling disputes over game choices to navigating missing pieces and ensuring everyone has fun, these 35 steps encapsulate the journey of family game night.