A recent study found that 42% of parents said they were worried that social media is distracting their children away from quality family time when they are at home

and

48% of those polled said they felt guilty that they don’t spend enough time with their loved ones.

One of my positive early memories is of me and my Dad is spending endless hours playing ‘Connect Four’ on a Sunday afternoon (and sometimes even for the odd 10p bet!)

My daughter at the age of 20 still loves an afternoon with us (and Professor Plum in the dining room with the candlestick) playing Cluedo or the ‘Game of Life’.

I was happy to learn that some cafes have recognised the many benefits of playing board games and encouraging quality family time together by introducing board games to their premises or theming certain times of the day or week.

Benefits include reducing stress and encouraging a healthy mental health (laughing and having fun together and encouraging time to relax and let go of everyday worries increases the endorphins), lowering blood pressure, speeding up responses, growing the immune system, increasing memory formation and cognitive skills, using and practicing maths, encouraging taking turns and learning to loose – what a better way to instil resilience and a healthy self esteem? It doesn’t have to break the bank either as many charity shops or online auction sites are selling pre loved games for just few pounds (or less) or you could swap some of your games with friends or family.

It’s much easier to get your 10 or 13 year old to play a time limited game than just saying “Let’s spend time together’ so why not give it a try this half term?

What was your favourite board game you could share with your children and family?

You may also be interested in our Let’s Play programme.