Start a family board game and card game collection

Board games compete directly with screen entertainment because they offer social interaction, challenge, and fun. Start with 3-5 age-appropriate games and schedule a weekly family game night. For younger kids: Candy Land, Uno, Spot It. For older kids: Ticket to Ride, Catan Junior, Codenames.

Why It Works

Games provide the variable rewards and social interaction that make screens addictive, but in a healthy format. Regular game nights become a tradition kids look forward to and request on their own.

Tips

• Cooperative games (Forbidden Island, Pandemic) reduce sibling fighting and teach teamwork
• Card games (Uno, Skip-Bo, Exploding Kittens) are portable and great for waiting rooms and travel
• Let kids choose games at the store to increase buy-in
• Thrift stores and garage sales are excellent sources for inexpensive board games