Over the course of this week my kids have been teaching Grandma new games. Both children love to play, but my son becomes quite enthralled with the NEW factor. After learning a game he feels it is his responsibility to pass on any new found knowledge. If we begin a more complex style he dives in reading each card or rule, obsessed to master it. He wants to play over and over and over again. Thankfully if we set time aside to play once a day he feels satisfied and will graciously wait until tomorrow comes. The experience fills his bucket and he is inspired to fill someone else’s bucket.
Recently his Grandma is the target for unloading any and all game knowledge. Initially the scene is cute. He plops a large box on the table, smirks rattling off the title and then quickly shares why he loves its contents. He cheekily wants to beat Grandma, but feels that she still needs to know all the rules for a fair game. The challenging part is that he thinks a bit differently than me and differently than Grandma. Our conversation tends to reflect those I have with my husband. With a clear understanding of a situation or a function my husband will proceed to talk as if the topic is common knowledge. I am left in the dark for most of the discussion with a blank look on my face. He doesn’t do it purposely, but he understands and absorbs information in a way that I do not. The same exchange happens when we play games together. Watching my son explain instructions to his Grandmother confirms that he is indeed just like his father. He speaks fast, pointing and touching on ten different potential scenarios. Instead of making the board game appealing it looks daunting and there is an overwhelm of information.
No one likes feeling confused or frustrated when learning a new game. If it is heavy on rules I typically go quiet, shake my head and wait until the instructions have been read or explained. I don’t need a big dumping of this and that to get the game. I need to know the goal and steps for me to successfully take each turn. Once I understand the main purpose I can grasp the ifs, ands, or buts. What Grandma needs to know is what is involved in each turn. Last week my daughter spoke up saying, ‘wait, I think Grandma learns best when she is shown. Show her how that works.’ She is wise beyond her years or maybe thinks and processes a bit like the other ladies in the family. Either way she is correct. We all learn a little differently and sharing an abundance of information does not guarantee understanding. My initial opinion of a board game is not formulated by what strategy is the best, or how can I win etc. I want to know how to take my turn. I can learn the strategy or puzzle over more complicated features in subsequent rounds. I want to successfully play without loosing my mind and so does Grandma.
Have you been there? Or do you feel like you are right now? Considering the number of games available for purchase can be overwhelming. How do you choose the best one and select something that won’t drive you crazy or force you to shed tears (I know that seems extreme, but us moms’ can tip over that edge pretty quickly when it feels like we just can’t quite succeed or get ahead in our hectic lives).
How can playing games and choosing games become less stressful? Spending less time humming and hawing, more time laughing and loving your family. Here are the 3 best ways to find a game that suits your family and 4 tips to avoid becoming overwhelmed with game prep.
FINDING THE RIGHT GAME
1. Google Game Recommendations - A quick search will almost immediately narrow down the game selection. Be sure to check for suggestions based on age group, style (european, cooperative, party etc.) and number of players. If you already own a game that you love or your children love start here. Search for ‘board games similar to (NAME OF FAVORITE GAME)’.
2. Watch YouTube Reviews - Once you have a few promising titles take your search to YouTube. Most popular games have reviews and how to videos that can clock in at as little as two minutes. You will get a quick sense of the game play and content. Knowing what you are purchasing before you click order helps ensure you don’t experience buyers regret. *Bonus Tip* Check your local library. Many branches offer popular board games for loan.
3. Ask friends - Usually someone in your life enjoys game play and knows what works for their family. They might even have a different taste in games than you. Either way a personal recommendation can point you towards games that wouldn’t naturally catch your eye and give you added confidence moving forward with a purchase. Consider lending out your favorites and borrowing a few to trial their suggestions.
LEARNING HOW TO PLAY
1. Watch a Youtube Video - These clips can give you a clear ‘how to’ in a short amount of time. There is nothing worse than opening your box to find a magazine worth of directions. Keep your box and instructions near by, but let the experts walk you through the details. They play plenty of games and understand what you need to know. Try a few different channels to find a personality that keeps you engaged and leave you feeling confident in the rules.
2. Stick to Short Games - As soon as a game becomes 30+ minutes the rules are going to reflect it. If you are venturing playing a new game or introducing a game to your kids that you haven’t played, stick with a shorter one. Your kids might not have patience to sit for a 30+ minute game, and if they do you may not have the patience to read 30+ minutes of rules. The game doesn’t need to be long to include dynamic play.
3. Play with Someone Experienced - My patience is greater when I am playing a game with someone who knows what they are talking about. They can set it up, which sometimes takes more time then you would like when first learning. They can give the rule cliff notes. Depending on the friend and style of game you may need to specify how complicated you want them to make it. Typically it is easier if they can introduce the general game play and cover any difficult bits as you encounter them.
4. Give yourself time - Don’t open up the box to play the second you get home. Give yourself time to prepare. You do not want to feel frustrated or rushed. It can be
irritating to start playing or finish only to have had a half-assed experience because you missed rules. You want to understand what is suppose to be happening and maximize everyones experience. Unfortunately, trying to read rules and manage a child's eagerness can be infuriating. You need to give your attention to the instructions and then you can adequately enjoy the game.
***
Thank heavens Grandma is a good sport. Week two, game three and Grandma is patiently playing Dominion with the kids. She reminds them that she won twice (not due to skill, but simply because the kids get too distracted choosing their favorite cards). They don’t make it easy. Every complicated card goes onto the board and they show no mercy. A big thank you to Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and loving friends willing to invest in their relationship with your kids and play all the games.
Comments