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How to Introduce Your Kids to Tabletop Gaming
As your child gets older, you need to think about different ways to have fun with them. While it’s good for your kids to learn how to entertain themselves, it’s important for families to be able to have these bonding moments.
Playing video games together is a great way to start, because you can work together. But recently, tabletop gaming has become increasingly popular. How can you help your children learn to love these games?
Classic Board Games
The first place to start would be classic board games. Many of these games are great for beginners and allow for quick games. They’re relatively simple to put up and most people know the rules.
Of course, not all classic games are as simple and easy as you might think. Risk, for example, can end up as a sprawling battle ground with lots of moving pieces. Ideally, choose games that you think your children will enjoy and consider their age and attention span when setting up a board game.
Some modern board games play in a similar fashion to the classic ones, and they are often beautifully designed and fun to play, especially for a younger audience.
Choose games that pit everyone against each other, or that allow you to work together to achieve a common goal. A variety of playstyles and games will keep things fresh.
Tabletop Strategy Games and Models
Another option is to play longer-form strategy games. There are a number of different games that allow you to set up your faction, create an army, then pit your forces against each other. Warhammer 40k is probably one of the most well-known versions of this type of game, but you can also find star wars themed strategy games and other games as well.
These games are more complicated and so are probably best for older children. But they can also be incredibly engaging and fun to play as you work out different strategies and get to know your units well.
Another upside with these tabletop games is that you have the option of creating your own units and customizing them. If you want to get into this side of tabletop gaming, look up model painting tutorials so you know where to start.
RPG Tabletop Games
Finally we come to the longest potential games that you can play on the tabletop. Tabletop RPGs do have models and dice, but most of the gameplay takes place in your minds and through conversation.
These games can go on for a long time as you create a character and build up your skills as you play. Generally, one person takes the role of a games master who sets the scene and acts as the narrator and and NPCs, while everyone else plays the game.
The most well-known tabletop RPG is probably Dungeons and Dragons, but you can find plenty of other RPGs in different settings, including Shadowfall and Gloomhaven. Just do some homework and find a setting that works for your family.