Using Family Games to Encourage Healthy Development
Kelseanna Hollis-Hansen, PhD, MPH, UT southwestern Medical Center School of Public Health Research has found the making time to play games together supports more effective, open family communication and a greater sense f togetherness. But the benefits of gaming together don't stop there. Playing games has also proven to help children develop academic skills like mathematical reasoning and reading. In addition to amplifying academic abilities, playing games is associated with social, mental and emotional benefits for children. Games require us to take turns, cooperate, learn systems of rules, and persist through setbacks. These are skills that are highly valued and require regular practice to learn. As such, playing family games is correlated with developing healthy social behaviors, increases in self-esteem, and greater motivation to pursue goals. Whether your family prefers to play games outdoors or a screen, here are ways to connect and get your bodies and brains moving
