Board Games: The Secret Sauce To Intergenerational Bonding

As I lounge on the couch, sipping my hot tea and waiting for my little munchkin to return from park time, I know exactly what's about to put a smile on both our faces: board game time. It's the icing on the cake; a special bonding moment that's pure gold. As we roll the dice and move our pieces, I'm treated to a masterclass in strategy and wit, with gems like "you should be paying more attention" when it comes to dodging snakes. Her sassiness peaks when she says "better luck next time" after I've landed on a snake – ouch! I'm giggling at her antics while she's fully immersed in the game, exclaiming, "Let's roll the dice" every few minutes.

Growing up in a sports-loving household with badminton and table tennis courts galore in the backyard and on the first floor, I have grown up playing sports. Badminton was also our pandemic lifesaver. We'd gather at our parents' place, play a thrilling match, and create unforgettable memories. My brother's secret to winning at badminton? His strategy involves shouting at the top of his lungs with every shot, leaving opponents bewildered and demoralised.

It's less about the skill and more about the sonic boom that follows each swing. As he leaps around the court, his triumphant yells echo through the air, making it seem like he's single-handedly winning the championship. His opponents stumble, confused and distracted by the cacophony. When asked about his strategy, my brother grins mischievously and says, "Hey, it works." And honestly, it's hard to argue with that. After all, who needs sportsmanship when you can just be the loudest and funniest person on the court?

Even to this day, my evenings at my parents' place are spent marking off numbers on tombola tickets, claiming wins, and basking in the excitement of playing together – even the adults get swept up in the thrill. Dad's always jotting down numbers in his small diary, and we're all about winning those 100, 200, or 500 currency notes. When someone finally shouts "House" and collects their prize, we all go wild. Tombola nights remind me that happiness is in the simple things, and there is nothing as good as quality time with your loved ones.

Dice, Boards, & Togetherness

Games have a remarkable way of transcending age barriers, bringing parents, grandparents, and children across generations together. Whether it's a board game, a sport, or a digital adventure, the shared experience of play creates a common ground. In today's digital age, it's refreshing to see grandparents and grandkids putting down their devices and engaging in old-school fun. For us, Snakes & Ladders, Ludo, and Uno became the catalyst for intergenerational bonding, fostering a sense of togetherness and camaraderie that's hard to find and harder to strike these days. 

Numerous research studies demonstrate the value of board games in promoting social, emotional, and cognitive development in children. Playing board games can strengthen parent-child relationships, fostering a sense of closeness and connection. Board games can promote social bonding among children, encouraging friendship and cooperation. It's the most trusted way to ensure that your children connect with you on a lighter note on a day-to-day basis.

Let's get this playdate started! Before kids start wondering why parents can't chill, let's just have fun and make some unforgettable memories. Family game nights are the perfect way to bond and create inside jokes that'll last a lifetime. Who needs a script when you've got dice and a board? 

Authored by Radhika Dhingra. Views expressed by the author are their own.