I remember when we used to be kids, way before the computers and smartphones, we used to have fun playing all sorts of board games. At the youngest age, Shoots and Ladders, Parcheesi, Tanks, and later on Risk and Monopoly. Heck, we still get together with friends and play Risk (although I tend not to play with my wife, it’s risky enough for me as it is, I don’t need more chances to piss her off).
Anyhow, a couple of nights ago, we were out with two other couples and there was a discussion about the values the children are learning today. The point that some of the parents were debating was that if there isn’t a screen or a ball in front of the kids (or maybe a doll for girls) they can’t have fun. An average screen (this is what I call all smartphones and tablets and things like that) can run you up to $500-$600 easily. I sat there quietly and waited for them to get all excited and only after I had a couple of laughs,
I bought this for my kids way back as a present for the Easter. My youngest is addicted to Peppa Pig (and I do mean addicted to the point that I should probably be worried about it). The middle one, on the other hand, is not really into anything other than spending time with us. We tried signing her up for kindergarten, we organized playdates, but nothing really peaked her interest. She likes being at home, period (kinda like me). And my eldest is always getting in trouble since he is hyper-competitive. When I bought this game for them, my wife (for the first and probably for the last time ever) told me I’m brilliant.
The thing is, this game suits our family perfectly. But from what I was able to hear from other parents, basically, everybody loves this game. And it offers a great way to separate the kids from the screens. To be completely honest, I just like seeing my kids playing a board game and having the same experiences we had as children.
If some of you are still undecided in regards to the Christmas presents, you really should consider this one, especially since you can get it for under $25. It has been a couple of months since I got it for my kids and they still play it at least once or twice a week. Not to be cheesy, but this is one treasure you should hunt yourself this Christmas.