We've been spending a little but more time playing board games and a little less time watching TV in the Memory Pools household recently. Not sure how it came about but it's most definitely a good thing.
To that end, I thought I'd share my experiences of a few classics that you may well have gathering dust in a drawer somewhere. Even if you haven't, you could perhaps bear them in mind this coming Christmas.
Obviously my 'reasearch' isn't exhaustive (we're somewhat limited by what we've got in our cupboard!) but there are another 5-6 kids games we have that didn't make the cut. What's more the winner is easily the best.
Incidentally, it has made me realise that when your child is still in the very early stages of reading (ruling out even Junior scrabble/top trumps etc), there aren't that many choices, or so it would seem. Anyway it's brought back good memories of times sat by an open fire with Jim'll Fix It on in the background.
So in reverse order, here goes...
5) Snakes & Ladders - the most classic of classics, and for me not a patch on Frustration, but it's still good. Only problem is that it all gets a bit hectic if four of you want to play.
4) Connect 4 - perhaps on the upper end of a five year old's capabilities (it's rather easy for a grown up to win!) but it does engage their brain more than nearly all the others, and they do get better at it.
3) Guess Who - great fun and really helps with a little one's powers of observation. It's supposedly 6+ but our four year old loves it (with a little help with the names).
2) Time Shock - right it's not exactly a board game but it's absolutely brilliant. Believe me. While some games take a while to get going, this one delviers from the get go. 60 seconds to get the right shapes in the right holes with the whole thing exploding when the time's up. Just about as much fun for adults as for 5 year olds and a great dexterity leveller.
1) Frustration - to look at, it's nothing and admittedly the first few minutes of play aren't that great (especially if you can't roll a 6 to get going). BUT... the sheer twists and turns of this game beat an Eastenders storyline hands down! One second you're way ahead, the next you're nowhere. Genius, and so unexpectedly good, even for a 37 year old. Plus it's improved with more players...
So there you go Board Pickers. Get that telly off and start playing, and if you've got any better suggestions, let me know!