| Kids love to play, so games are a major part of their | | | | activity. Simple games like Go Fish and Old Maid help |
| lives. Choosing the right games for you kids can be a | | | | kids learn to match. Other card games, like Cribbage, |
| challenge. It needs to be fun, but you also want them | | | | can help with math skills. There are other specialty |
| to "get something" from the games. There are new | | | | card games, like UNO, which are also good for |
| games coming out all the time, but sometimes the | | | | matching and following directions. |
| classics are still the best. | | | | Computer/video games - There are an almost |
| Outdoor games - Outdoor games are a great way to | | | | unlimited number of computer and video games, with |
| encourage teamwork and get exercise at the same | | | | new systems coming out all the time. Not all the |
| time. Softball, baseball, wiffleball are always a hit. | | | | games are bad. There are quite a few educational |
| Badminton and volleyball are inexpensive, and a lot of | | | | games, as well. The best games encourage creative |
| fun for everyone. There are also games that require | | | | thinking, puzzle solving and help improve hand eye |
| no equipment, like Tag and Duck, Duck, Goose, that | | | | coordination. The key is checking out games, through |
| are always favorites. | | | | reviews and other parents, before buying a new game |
| Board games - Board games are a great way to | | | | for your children. |
| spend family time, and encourage taking turns and | | | | On-line games - There are several websites that |
| playing by the rules. There are the classic board | | | | provide kid-friendly and educational games. PBS Kids, |
| games, like Candyland for younger children. Then | | | | Nick Jr. and others have games that feature the kids' |
| games like Clue, which encourage logic and puzzle | | | | favorite characters, and help them learn skills while |
| solving and Monopoly, where they can learn about | | | | having fun. Parents always need to supervise the sites |
| money. There are also many trivia games that help | | | | to make sure they are safe for kids. |
| test knowledge and have a little fun, too. | | | | If all else fails, give them an empty box, some crayons |
| Card games - Card games are always a fun family | | | | and see what happens. |