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Card games have been enjoyed by children for generations. From simple matching and memory games to more strategic games that teach maths and logic skills, cards offer a versatile and engaging activity for kids of all ages. In this article, we’ll explore some of the key benefits of playing card games with children and why they deserve a place in every toy box and games cupboard.
Develop Social Skills
One of the best things about card games is that they are inherently social. Unlike solitary video games or activities, most card games require playing with at least one other person. This interaction helps children to develop their social skills from an early age. They learn about turn-taking, sharing, patience, communication and reading other people. They also provide a common focus for conversation that brings children and adults together. This could be while playing a quick game of Snap with a younger child or a more complex game of rummy or whist with older kids. Either way, by interacting and having fun together, card games help to develop essential social abilities.
Teaching Strategy and Critical Thinking
While some kids’ card games rely entirely on luck, many of the best card games incorporate strategy. As children become more familiar with games like crazy eights or Pontoon, they start to develop tactics and critical thinking. They have to pay close attention, remember previous hands, and start to predict probabilities. Over time, they build their capacity for logical thinking in a fun, unintimidating way.
Supporting Education
From learning new words to practising maths skills, many card games provide inherent educational benefits. Simple matching games boost memory, pattern recognition and concentration. Games that involve numbering, adding or sequencing cards help children to grasp basic mathematical concepts. Estimation card games encourage mental maths, while trivia card games allow kids to pick up general knowledge on a range of topics. Games with extensive rules also help children develop their logical thinking, literacy and rule comprehension skills.
Bonding and Togetherness
There are few better ways for a family to spend quality time together than playing card games. With screen time dominating much of children’s entertainment, making time to play traditional games ensures meaningful interaction. Laughing, learning and sharing create a sense of belonging and togetherness.
For foster carers fostering in Stockton and elsewhere, card games can be especially helpful when bonding with new children joining the household. The shared experience helps foster children to feel comforted and included.
Keep Boredom at Bay
For those times when kids are bored or seeking stimulation, card games offer an ever-ready activity. A standard deck of cards can be taken anywhere and put to countless uses. Whether inventing new games on a rainy day or keeping restless kids engaged on a long journey, these handy pocket-sized entertainments have got you covered. So, if you find yourself waiting at an appointment or with unexpected time to fill, cards to the rescue!
With amazing versatility, accessibility and longevity, it’s clear why card games have remained so popular for generations of children. From teaching vital skills to providing quick entertainment, cards tick all the boxes.
Photo by Will Porada on Unsplash