Hello Neighbor!

My tween daughter has been spending A LOT of time in her room lately, and I don’t think it’s entirely due to the pandemic. These days it takes some serious effort (and bribery) to convince her to abandon her room and rejoin our family. I used to be able to tempt her with an impromptu outing, but spontaneity isn’t an option right now. Reservations are required, hours are limited, waivers must be printed and signed…it all just feels like too much. Instead, I’ve settled on something simpler: games. So far it’s working!

Pre-COVID our family schedule often felt so busy and harried that most of our board games sat around collecting dust. But out of boredom and desperation, we’ve rediscovered our game collection and competitive spirit. Sometimes we’ll take a few to our neighborhood pool (the questions and curious stares always make me laugh—it’s like we’ve smuggled in an alien!). Aside from bonding time with my tween daughter, a good game also helps get my mind off the heavy state of the world.

Here are a few guaranteed to get my daughter (and maybe yours?) downstairs:
• Sequence – I picked this up at Target a few months ago, and my daughter and I play it every chance we get. You can’t think about much else while playing, which is a good thing in my book.
• Othello – I played this one with my cousin growing up, and he always beat me (badly).
• Mexican Train Dominoes – My mother-in-law taught us this game. You can also play it with a regular set of dominoes and a few pennies. FYI: You need a large, sturdy table.
• Sneaky Snacky Squirrel Game – This one is technically for the preschool set, but it’s a great one to pull out when a younger sibling wants in.
• Sorry! – An oldie but goodie. I don’t love the updated version (feels a little cheap and cartoonish to me), but you do you.
• Jenga – A pain to clean up but #worthit.
• Yeti in My Spaghetti – Another cute preschool option that the whole family can play.

P.S. I linked to Amazon for easy browsing and comparison but when it comes time to buy, check inventory at local toy stores like Lucky Duck Toys in Bryn Mawr, Puns Toys in Ardmore or Big Smile Toys in Paoli.

Game on,
Kate