RAISING BOARD GAMERS

Losing is a natural part of games, but what happens when you’re trying to handle children’s reactions? Two parents offer their best tips for mitigating those losses…

Written by Mae Funnell

Competitive games are fantastic and all, but bring me to that inevitable question of ‘what do I do if my child can’t deal with losing?’ I think all kiddliwinks (and who are we kidding a lot of adults too) go through a stage where not winning becomes particularly difficult for them so some advice for helping with those sore losers…

DON’T LOSE

Play cooperatively! The choice of family co-op games around at the moment is incredible, and with so many different themes and types of gameplay, you’re guaranteed to find something you want to play together. So many are genuinely great fun for adults to play too, like Race to the Raft, 5 Minute Dungeon, Chronicles of Avel or Dorfromantic. Or play solo games like Orchard or Rove, teaming up so you all win or lose together.

Try playing with them as a team, a loss can feel softer as they lost with you not on their own, and had someone to bounce their ideas off in game. Kids vs Mum in a one vs all game are favourites here, like in Chop Chop! Or I’ll be teamed up against in 1 Vs 1 games like Boop, the teamwork & comradery they show trying to get a win against me is excellent. think about the winner just straight onto the next game –how about best 3 out of 5? A loss can feel so much worse after spending over an hour on one game, giving it your all, and not managing to win. Don’t forget to praise clever moves and lucky rolls during the game too, not just the winner at the end.