Posted on 12/20/2010 6:43:23 PM PST by Rhonda Robinson
Games are a natural part of life. Think about it. Even in nature, pups, cubs and kittens play, practice and sharpen the skills they will use as adults. Littermates will tumble around, with fake growls and go in for a “kill” with a pretend bite to the neck. The puppy on his back, knows he’s lost the game.
Throughout history, there were games that displayed strength, stamina and skills in every culture. Today, those who can play games to display their strength, stamina and skill are given multi-million dollar contracts– and we pay big bucks to watch them.
However, though we don’t often think about it in these terms, games can be more to children than time wasters. They can be used, as a tool to sharpen thinking skills, and create a dry run for real life scenario, that we want to learn to avoid.
With today’s onslaught of video games, it can seem like the only skills that are being sharpened are hand-eye coordination and quick thumb reflexes. The old games of Shoots and Ladders and Sorry, seem pathetically obsolete. If you’ve read our last two installments of Politically Incorrect Parenting Gifts for Boys or Girls, you know that I take the business of child’s play seriously.
Video games can be an absolute waste of time and money. But there are a few that can instill life lessons at an early age that could never have been learned otherwise—without the luxury of age. But don’t discount the value of old fashioned board games.
The following list is not exhaustive by any means. It is intended only to direct your thinking away from commercial hype, cool trends and pop culture, and think about what your child is learning and practicing during play time.
(Excerpt) Read more at newsrealblog.com ...
Your coworker already posted this.
How about some games for kids over 10? All except one would at best get a ‘meh’ from someone older. Age of Empires is a good choice (I still play it every once in a while) but it’s 10 years old and there are plenty of similar RTS’s (Real Time Strategy) that are much newer.
no lawn jarts ? Bummer !
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