10 Reasons to Think Twice Before Playing Board Games with Your Kids

In my household, Saturday mornings used to be a cherished time for pancake-making and family bonding. However, my husband’s recent work commitments have turned my “sleep-in” day into a distant memory. As I tried to savor my first cup of coffee this past Friday, my son’s lament about my lack of gaming participation tugged at my heartstrings. In a moment of weakness, I promised to engage in board games with the kids, only to quickly rediscover the reasons I generally avoid these activities.

1. Sore Losers

My children exhibit a remarkable talent for losing gracefully—said no parent ever. Their reactions range from tears to accusations of unfairness, spreading a cloud of discontent that can linger long after the game ends.

2. Gloating Winners

The joy of winning often transforms into a display of obnoxious triumph. The celebratory chants from the victorious child can escalate until another sibling bursts into tears.

3. Cheating

The temptation to bend the rules is often too great. Whether it’s peeking at cards or stacking the deck, my kids will try anything to gain an edge, which only diminishes the fun for everyone involved.

4. The Alliance Against Mom

My children seem to have a ranking system for their peers, where they form alliances against the most “objectionable” player—me, of course. Their conspiratorial tactics ensure that I’m often the target of their collective strategy.

5. Endless Games

Some games, like Chutes and Ladders, seem to stretch into infinity, testing the limits of patience for all involved.

6. Back to Start Mechanics

Games that involve moving backward as a penalty can lead to frustration, further encouraging cheating and group dynamics that complicate the experience.

7. Childish Simplicity

Many children’s games lack complexity, making them painfully dull for adult participants.

8. The Mess

Board games come with an array of components—cards, pieces, and dice—that inevitably end up scattered across the floor, creating a chaotic environment that invites accidents.

9. Difficult to Conclude

Engaging in play is supposed to fill children’s emotional batteries, but extracting myself from a gaming session often results in tears and tantrums, regardless of how well-intentioned I am.

10. Endless Begging

Once you engage in fun activities, prepare for a barrage of requests for repetition. My children continuously plead for outings and treats, creating a cycle that feels never-ending.

In conclusion, while playing board games with kids can be a bonding experience, it often comes with its fair share of challenges. From sore losers to the chaos of cleanup, one might reconsider the value of these gaming sessions. For more parenting insights, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination or explore this post for additional parenting tips. If you’re interested in home insemination, Cryobaby offers a reliable kit to assist you.