Playing any kind of game with some grandchildren will inevitably mean sharing the ipad or other hand held gizmo. The thought of sitting around a table with a board game, having to read the rules, lay out all the pieces and throw real dice – almost like reinventing the wheel. However, there are some very subtle ploys we oldies can employ to show the younger electronically wired set that using another part of our motor skills can be even more absorbing. Bribes and treats have to come into it unfortunately, but only usually for the first attempt. Once you have them hooked, it’s plain sailing from there on.
Once a weekend has been booked for the children to join me, we agree to browse our favourite toy site and see if there are any games / puzzles that take our fancy. We agree on a theme and they have great fun searching and deciding. Another Win Win !