Family Fun - May 2009
    Looking for ways to have fun with the family while staying close to home seems to be the norm these days. We are a family that is no exception! Enter family game night. With the youngest child, the attention span can be short, so we need to find games that match this and give him a real shot at winning every once in a while. Several of the games we have at bug & goose match his developmental ability, but also are fun for his older sister, and are pretty fun for the adults too. I honestly find most of the children’s games out there mind numbing, but these are both fun and quick, which means I can get in one game or five, depending on how loudly the dishes are calling my name.

    Here is a rundown of our new favorite games from the three year old energetic boy to our six year old daughter on up to the parents they let occupy their home:

  • Sleeping Queens Sleeping Queens: This game is recommended for ages 8 and up, but we all play this and have a lot of fun. We have found that the kids can lay their cards on the table so we can help a little, but they are pretty quick to catch on and will make sure that you aren’t abusing your dragons and knights! The five year old is learning some great basic addition in the process. I am all for helping them out, but to be honest, mom has to be able to win sometimes too.
  • There's a Moose in the HouseThere's a Moose in the House: An 8 and up according to the box, but this is one they love admittedly a bit more than the parents do. You get to take turns putting moose in each other’s rooms, the one with the most moose at the ends looses, and yes, that always seems to be me.
  • SlamwichSlamwich: 6 and up, but my daughter has been playing this since she was five. An updated take on slap jack, but much more entertaining. This is one to take with you when you think you might have a long wait. It teaches patterning, which is one of the earliest match concepts, but they honestly have no idea they are learning anything other than how to slap faster than mom or dad. My, the reflexes go fast!
  • HisssHisss: My kids can play this one on their own, which gives me some much needed time to make dinner during the famous witching hour. The awesome part about this is that if they are really needing my attention, I can jump in and play mid game in between stirring whatever is cooking on the stove.


    • Games for families with older children:

  • Rat-a-tat CatRat-a-tat Cat: 6+ and a Mensa award winning game. This really tests the memory of the adults I have played with. Amazingly, the kids seem to have no problem. You got to know when to hold em, know when to fold em...
  • LootLoot: 8+ This is a strategic thinking game that is great for boys who love pirates, but also helps girls hone in on math concepts. Though I haven’t played this with the kids, we (all of us here at b&g) played this on our last retreat and had a ton of fun trying to sink each other’s pirate ships!
  • The Scrambled States of AmericaThe Scrambled States of America: 8+ Our latest product addition! Rosemary loves this game (she is our teacher on staff) for making US geography fun for kids. You just might find that you lose to the kids at this game without even trying! Most likely you will learn a thing or two yourself.
    • Pick one of our games up for your family, or give one as a gift. These are fun family activities that make you feel like you aren’t breaking the bank while spending some much needed fun time with your kids!

    Here’s to having fun with your bug & goose!

    Jacy
    mom of:
    bug- Owen & goose- Quinn