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Johnson County

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Johnson County
11811 S. Sunset Drive
Suite 1500
Olathe, KS 66061

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Monday - Friday,
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

(913) 715-7000
(913) 715-7005 fax
jo@listserv.ksu.edu

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K-State Research and Extension is committed to making its services, activities and programs accessible to all participants. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting Johnson County Extension at (913)715-7000. Notify staff of accommodation needs as early as possible.

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

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Game Play: Build Family Bonds and Social Skills

family playing board gameAs you spend time with family in unique ways this holiday season, board games are a great way to connect and have some fun!

Playing board games gets everyone in the same room and helps family and friends across generations to have a great time. It also fosters the face-to-face interaction needed to connect deeply with each other and to develop traits of strong families.

In his book “Family Treasures: Creating Strong Families”, John DeFrain covers six qualities that strong, successful families around the world exhibit:

  • enjoyable time together;
  • appreciation and affection for each other;
  • positive communication;
  • spiritual well-being (values, beliefs, life skills);
  • successful management of stress and crisis;
  • and commitment to each other.

Board games also pave the path and builds a solid foundation for socio-emotional growth. Board games help develop interpersonal or “soft” skills: self-control, positive self-concept, social and communication skills, and executive function. These skills contribute to success in school and the future workplace.

Things to have in mind when carving out time for a game:
  • Keep a stash of board games around the house.
  • Look for cooperative games to encourage a sense of working as a team against the game.
  • Try Euro-style games where players are not eliminated and de-emphasize conflict and luck.
  • Choose a game that allows for compliments to be given.
  • Provide support helping each other to understand the game. Be patient when others make mistakes.
  • Only family members and friends are invited. Make it a rule that technology must be set aside until your game is over.
  • Choose snacks that are not sticky or greasy to preserve your games.

Because we live in a busy world, finding time to spend together can be difficult. Maximizing our time with board games provides quality time together and a lifetime of memories. 

Resources:

MF3401 Bonding Thru Board Games, Fact Sheet (ksu.edu)

MF3489 Bonding Thru Board Games: Developing Soft Skills, Fact Sheet (ksu.edu)

Bonding with Board Games: Snug as a Bug in a Rug - YouTube

Bonding with Board Games: Kikeriki - YouTube

Bonding with Board Games: Friends and Neighbors - YouTube

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