Board games offer your child many good things. First, they’re fun and a good way for the two of you to spend time together. But they also help with skills such as paying attention, following rules, and taking turns.

Yard sales and garage sales are a great place to find board games, often for a dollar or less. To choose games that will keep your child’s interest:

• Always check the box to see an appropriate age for players. For example, it may say, “Ages 3 and up.” Children will get the most out of games that have simple rules and are geared to their age and skill level.

• Look for games with themes that will appeal to your child. For example, at certain ages, children enjoy games that are about animals more than games that are about money.

• Encourage younger children to count as they move around the board or to name the colors they see on the game board. Children usually enjoy the chance to show off what they know.

• Let your child use her thinking skills once she knows the game. “What do you think will happen if we draw this card?” “Which space should I move to now?”

These tips will help your child be a good sport:

• Explain that rules are an important part of the game and encourage her to follow them.

• Remind her often that nobody wins all the time. Some children take losing very hard. So cheer her on when she plays fair, follows directions and takes turns—not just when she wins.

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