In one of my sessions this week, board games became the tool of choice! Board games are a fantastic tool to use with all children.
They learn to follow rules, to take turns, develop language, increase focus and defer gratification. All of this will help with self-regulation, which is what we want our children to learn.
They are a fantastic bonding exercise, and can be used for teamwork too - dependent on the game!
Board games help to foster creative thinking and problem solving.
These, along with self-regulation, are important life skills that will stay with children for life.
Board games can also be used to give children who may not experience having control often, power. Power to win, power to make up or ignore rules, power to lead. Letting a child who hasn't often had the opportunity to win, or does not believe in their own achievements can be a very powerful therapeutic moment for a child. Although the win must be convincing! Equally, a child losing teaches children a whole host of skills. For a child who is used to having their own way and does not like to defer from this, losing a game can teach really crucial skills and is a great way to slowly introduce a build up of tolerance to loss. It may take some time - definitely several sessions - but the change is often dramatic !
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