Eight taboos in parent-child games with children

I have an article titled "Parent-child games make family relationships closer", but some friends (mainly parents of children over 5 years old) told me that they feel comfortable with their children when they don't play games with them on weekdays, but as soon as they play games with their children, they become furious or end up in a bad mood. In fact, as a parent, I am also very anxious, because I know that in the long run, the parent-child relationship will inevitably be greatly affected. However, every time the games I design are not understood or accepted by my children, I feel very frustrated.

Parent-child games, as the name suggests, are games played by parents and children together to strengthen the parent-child relationship and make family relationships more harmonious. It would be really frustrating if it backfired.

I have summarized the 8 taboos of parent-child games to see if parents can find their own shadows in them.

1. From the perspective of game rules:

There is no order without rules. Even a game cannot continue without rules. The rules of the game are often designed based on the purpose of the game, so the rules are important enough to directly affect the final outcome of the game.

So before the game starts, parents must explain the rules of the game in advance and ensure that the children can comprehend or clearly understand the rules of the game. When facing young children, the rules of the game should of course be based on being "simple, vivid, and easy to understand." If your child is still not particularly clear about the rules after you have explained them, you may want to demonstrate to him or her first or give him or her some simple guidance.

For some games, you may want to let your children design or explain the rules of the game, and parents will also gain a lot!

Taboo 1: The game rules are not clearly expressed or the words do not express the meaning;

Taboo 2: The game rules are too complicated or not in line with the child's physical and mental development;

2. In terms of game content:

The content of the game is the core of the game and should also be the happiest and most joyful time. No matter we are playing indoor or outdoor games, no matter whether it is a competitive game or a mutual aid game, the parents’ loud words “Are you ready? Start the countdown! 3-2-1!” are enough to make children who yearn for games smile. With this, our game is already halfway won.

However, if the content of the game is not prepared sufficiently, the child will definitely be perfunctory and listless. Because the purest thing in this world is their eyes.

Similarly, if the content of the game does not suit the child's growth and development characteristics, and is only intended to allow the child to learn some knowledge or to achieve the parents' goals, the effect will certainly be greatly reduced.

In addition, for young children, the content of the game does not have to be very fancy to attract their attention. As long as the relevant props are appropriate and the content is well prepared, a small deck of playing cards can make children and parents excited to play for hours!

Taboo 3: The game content is too simple and monotonous

Taboo 4: The game content is repetitive and lacks freshness

Taboo 5: Too many game contents and lack of relevant props

3. From the game results

The result of the game actually fully demonstrates the original purpose of our game design. Of course, during the game we still need to make some adjustments or changes based on the actual situation of the children. However, the real purpose of a game is to let children gain something at the end of the game. Even if the only reward is the happiness of children, what could be happier than the happiness of children?

However, some parents will change the outcome of the game by adjusting themselves rather than the game when the game is about to end. In fact, children’s eyes are sharp. They have their own joys, sorrows, anger, and happiness, as well as their own thoughts and ideas. The outcome of the game is not important. What is important is what the child gets and what the parents gain from it.

Successful parent-child games can make family relationships more harmonious, and there is no need to rush into failed parent-child games, as there will be gains anyway. How to reap the rewards depends on the ingenuity of parents. Many times the summary of failure is greater than the joy of success. Only with motivation can we move forward better.

Taboo 6: Parents give in without principles

Taboo 7: Parents have no wisdom to win;

Taboo 8: Parents stay out of the situation and do nothing when their children need help

In short, parent-child games are not only a process for parents to get closer to their children's inner world, but also a reflection of their own wisdom. There is a Buddhist saying: "One flower, one bodhi." If parents pay attention, they will gain insights from their children's words, deeds and actions.