When I was growing up, we loved board games and card games. My mom hated the television, to the point of cutting off the cord when kids who were supposed to be doing something else were caught watching the boob tube. Good thing my dad was handy with electrical things, though it might take him a few weeks or longer to repair it. We probably had the shortest TV cord ever. We didn’t watch a lot of television growing up, and I think we’re the better for it.
I wish I were stricter. Mine don’t watch much more than Leave it to Beaver and The Waltons, but they’re much more likely to be enveloped in a computer game. Sometimes I think Guild Wars is the bane of my parenting. So it warms my heart on those occasions where I watch my four sit down to a game of Risk (which Jenna always wins), or hearts (David’s the victor there). Lizzie likes Probe, while Elisha is the Uno master. My own favorite is Scrabble. Whatever your preference, board games bring us closer, help us to learn social skills, hone our competitiveness, and mold our sportsmanship.
One of my favorite board game memories was sitting down to a game of double-deck hearts with four of my siblings and my stepmother. Three quarters into the hand, she haughtily announced, “I have control of this game!” Within two minutes, she had been socked with both queens and several points worth of hearts. It became a punch line for years to come.
Most of us have a few games lying around, but we could probably use more. KBToys.com is here to help. Right now, they’re having a Buy One, Get One Free offer for their Milton Bradley games. There are classics like Yahtzee and Chutes & Ladders, and newer games such as Spiderman Sorry and Dora ABC. Whatever the age of your children, there’s something there for everyone.
Shipping is reasonable, starting at $3.99. Deal ends July 16, 2007.
Link to B1G1 Deal at KBToys.com