Bored you won’t be
THERE are some things that never go out of fashion. Board games is one of them. Our latest major reader promotion, Hasbro board games, has certainly proved this. Readers have been clamouring to get each of the 14 in this terrific set. (Check out details and token on Page 4) Monopoly, Boggle, Cluedo, they’re stuff of family folklore. Rainy days and wonderful nights spent sitting around a board game laughing and talking provide lasting, lovely memories – and some embarrassment. I remember as a 12-year-old trying to do my best against my older siblings and parents at a game of adult Trivial Pursuit. They were trying to give my tender years and limited knowledge a bit of help. “Who was the actor who played the Pink Panther?” Mum asked. I could see his face but could only recall his first name, Peter.
They offered a golden clue for his last name: “You find them under houses.” “Peter Stumps!” I proclaimed. Their howls of laughter told me I was way off base.
Of course the answer was Peter Sellers but I was the Pink Panther right then, blushing from head to toe.
The main thing is I remember that day, all six of us sitting around our dining room table, having fun and it makes me feel good. Cairns Post readers are showing that old-fashioned forms of entertainment are still cool. As a parent it offers comfort. With technology everywhere I’m becoming increasingly aware of how difficult it is to limit screen time with my toddler.
Bub didn’t know what television was until after her second birthday when I gleefully bought Finding Nemo for her.
The gift has been a double-edged sword. Since then there have been multiple child-friendly additions to the DVD collection but the humble TV has been complemented with other technologies.
Children like to mimic their parents and “playing” with smart phones, iPads and computers become irresistible.
They can be godsends when travelling but overuse can turn your once attentive child into a zombie.
Setting guidelines and sticking to them takes patience and determination and sets perhaps the greatest challenge to all parents – consistency.
Thankfully, along with “the rules” we’re still able to bluff our daughter explaining that the iPad is “not working”, or “broken”. We’re also lucky that her love of books and physical activity generally overrides any desire for big people’s devices.
The secret of course is a balanced diet.
Board game anyone?
THERE’S NOTHING THAT CAN COMPETE WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY SITTING AROUND A BOARD GAME, TALKING AND LAUGHING. MEMORIES THAT WILL LAST FOREVER. AND NO BATTERY OR ADAPTOR NEEDED.