Board Games vs Video Games
By crissy92
@crissy92 (91)
United States
December 11, 2012 10:06am CST
Christmas is around the corner, as everyone knows, and I'm wondering how many children will receive board games and how many will receive video games. In a time where video games are the "thing to do" for children, why not empower your children's brains and be able to spend quality time with your children with some board games? I always say I grew up in the wrong time. It's true. I would have loved to grow up "Little House on the Prairie" style when things were much more simple than they are today. Nowadays, it's too easy to just turn on a video game and let the TV "babysit" our children. But the TV and video games become our children's best friend. Why not sit down with our children with a relaxing board game and give them the power of interaction and social skills? I've learned from experience with my 13 year old vs my 4 and 6 year old. My 13 year old's life seems to revolve around video games, TV, and electronic devices. It's like an addiction, and he gets a little aggravated when I tell him to find something "constructive" to do other than be engulfed in electronic devices. I know it's a world of electronic gadgets and devices, but he also has to learn that everything in life isn't about an electronic gadget. That's my fault. I admit it. When he was younger, I thought it was cute when he could make it through boards of video games and thought he was so smart doing it. And he did grow up to be a little electronic "guru". But my 4 and 6 year old boy and girl haven't been introduced to the world of video games yet, and I see a dramatic difference. They don't want to watch TV. They would rather play a board game with us, like Chutes and Ladders or Candyland. TV is a last resort when they're tired and don't feel like playing with their other toys. They're more into arts and crafts, too, and appreciate things a lot differently than my oldest son. When you're shopping for Christmas gifts this year, instead of one video game, replace it with a board game or something hands-on for your child to do with you. See what a difference it can make.
1 person likes this
9 responses
@ShyBear88 (59282)
• Sterling, Virginia
11 Dec 12
My kids are 2 and under so we really don't play video games at all. We do have board games but they both can't play them yet but we do play games in the house and sing songs. Mostly it's toys or playing kitchen right now or learning about fish because my daughter loves Nemo. No games just toys for little kids this year.
@ShyBear88 (59282)
• Sterling, Virginia
16 Dec 12
Yes I know they grow up so fast. My nephew is now 5 years old and I remember when he was born just like I remember when my kids were born. I'll make sure it's a good Christmas and one Christmas is over with part of our family and now after this week it'll be Christmas once again.
@artemeis (4194)
• China
13 Dec 12
My only concern here would be if the children would even have the time or patience rather, to actually sit down and enjoy a board game with us. Nowadays, I think you will agree with me that board games have gone digital and if I may add internet connective, as well.
I suppose Christmas list would be including a multi-licensing board game voucher or program whichever is applicable. I don't think all's lost since the game can be played online and even when both parties are apart (overseas business trip).
I am not against the traditional board games and the way they are being played but I am encouraging you to move forward with your children to stay at their level.
@ctryhnny (3460)
• United States
11 Dec 12
My kids grew up with board games and I loved playing them with them. It's sad how things have changed and if you can't play it on tv or game system they don't want it. Your lucky your kids play board games. Keep up the good work and just wait until they are much older to introduce them video games.
@crissy92 (91)
• United States
15 Dec 12
Thank you, I appreciate that. And it IS sad how things have changed. You're absolutely right that it seems like if it's not something you can plug in and zone out into to play, kids don't want it these days. Hopefully, I'll instill the exact opposite on my 2 little ones.
@tshihmin2 (186)
• Malaysia
12 Dec 12
Longer days ago, children are more to board games. Their brain even more 'exercised' and really good for brain skills. Unfortunately, these days are taken over by technology. Here technology, there technology, everywhere technology. You can look around. That's why video games became the children interests. It can make children became lazy too in a way.
@crissy92 (91)
• United States
15 Dec 12
Definitely lazy! When I ask my son to do something for "me", he looks at me like, "really?". Ha! When I was his age, I was doing 10 times more around the house than him! But I still make him do things around the house. It's going to make him a more responsible (and cleaner) person in the future. lol
@ZoeJoy (1392)
• United States
11 Dec 12
When my husband and I were raising our kids, we didn't get them a lot of electronic games etc. We did play board games but they didn't always want to join in and play. Glad to hear that your youngest children would rather spend some family time playing board games. We have a great memory of our three teenage children and my husband and I playing Skip Bo, we were camping in our tent trailer and it was raining. So, we all gathered around the small table and we played until 4am. We just had a blast, we didn't have to get up early the next morning and since we were camping, we could make our own schedule. We will never forget playing a board game as a family until almost morning. I would encourage your older son but be careful not to force him. That could cause a strain in your relationship. Perhaps he could take computer classes or find something constructive to do with his electronic gadgets, so that he is at least doing something positive with his electronic time.
@crissy92 (91)
• United States
15 Dec 12
That's a great story! We like to play Yahtzee, too, and that's definitely a game where you lose track of time. The younger two are a little too young to play, but they just roll the dice for us and they're happy with that! And yes, you're right about the strain on my oldest son's relationship with me. I've already seen that happening and backed off. I came to realize, I created that with him, and now I have to find a way to deal with it. I do like your suggestion, though. I'll have to look into something for him! Thanks!
@greenthumb018 (595)
• Philippines
12 Dec 12
I remember giving my niece monopoly because I had so much fun playing that game with my siblings. Her reaction is uhm.. thanks. Then my brother gave her Nintendo DS and she was so happy and jumped and hugged my brother tightly. I guess time has changed and so is the interest of the kids. We just have to accept that these gadgets are more appealing than board games. Whenever I invite her to play the game, she was pretending to be busy and up to now, the board game is still good as new. Now that Christmas is approaching, I'm worried that my gift would end on a shelf again. But I will try to give her something that I have enjoyed from the past or something educational.
@crissy92 (91)
• United States
15 Dec 12
How old is your niece? And that is very sad and disappointing. I usually get my son one educational, hands-on game or toy and an electronic "thing". This year, I bought him a laptop. He keeps using mine and I figured it would be good for him for school, too. Since he hates writing reports, maybe he'll be more inclined to do so with his OWN laptop where he can store his reports on it and have it for himself. We'll see!
@cobalt20 (1318)
• Philippines
12 Dec 12
I prefer board games than video games. It is because video games can be addicted for most kids. Board games can only often play and its safe for kids.
@neelia27 (896)
• Philippines
12 Dec 12
now a days most of the children are into video games.. maybe because it is more accessible and parents allow their children to play it instead of doing other things such as going somewhere else where they will play together with other kids.. board games bored them or lose interest right away but i guess board games are better than video games because it enhances our mind..
@Ray_Cai (22)
• China
12 Dec 12
Yeah, the board game can be a stimulating way to develop children's mental and psychological well-being. Many various board game foster youth to think independently and to coopearte with other kids. But in my country, adolescent always have no opportunities to play board games and they usually become addicted to video games or on-line games. Children here do no share leisure time unless in the Internet. What a pity. My childhood did not have such precious memories about board games. Maybe in the future, I will make my kids have a try.
