5 Classic Games for Boys – How to Get Your Kids off the PlayStation

With all the new technology developing in video games today, it's hard to tear kids away from better graphics and complex story lines. Since violent images in many of these games are becoming more realistic all the time, and some consoles allow players to communicate over the internet, parents are concerned about what their sons are being exposed to. The debate rages on about how much video games affect children, but in the meantime some parents are trying to find ways to drag their sons away from the Playstation.

During childhood social and familial interaction is important, and one way to encourage this interaction is with classic board games. Many of these old favorites are not only fun and engaging enough even for video-gaming boys, but also require brainpower, cooperation and strategy. These five classics have been enjoyed by boys, as well as the rest of the family, for decades.

Many of these board games are great presents for boys. They are classics that fit to every occasion.

Chess is about as classic as you can get when it comes to board games. With ancestral roots in 600 AD India, Chess has been teaching players the importance of strategy and consequences for centuries. Today, many educators are studying the value of playing chess for developing important critical thinking skills in children. Along with more obvious skills like math, spacial analysis and planning strategy, some researchers say the game also encourages verbal reasoning abilities and reading comprehension.

2. Monopoly

Monopoly is said to be the most played commercial board game in the world, with over 500 million people all over the world having played the game. In Monopoly, players must know how to budget money and plan ahead. Using the classic set up, children must use math skills to add money and know the value of property, particularly if they are playing the role of banker, which makes it one of the best educational games for children there is. In the most recent addition, instead of paper money, an electronic system with debit cards has been introduced. Some parents think this strips the game of much of its educational value, but many say since our society now primarily uses debit cards, it's important for the child to realize that this money will eventually run out.

Risk is another classic favorite, particularly for boys. The board features a political map of earth, every continent separated into territories, with each player trying to conquer as many territories as they can. The game is won when one player conquers the entire board. Risk combines strategy, decision making, chance and knowledge of geography. Since its inception in 1957, generations of players have enjoyed the competitive spirit of this game, and there are now many versions of Risk on the market, featuring themes like The Lord of the Rings, Narnia and even the popular video game Halo.            

Axis and Allies is from the creators of Risk and has a very similar game play, but with more historical value. With the backdrop of World War II politics, players divide themselves into the Allied and Axis powers and try to secure territories. In this game, the pieces are more complicated than risk, with different units capable of different things. Axis and Allies requires players to plan strategies in teams to plan the next attack, teaching boys the value of team work.  

Today, parents and pediatricians lament about the lack of time children spend playing outside, but in Capture the flag boys are encouraged to play outdoors with their friends. In a large area, two teams divide the field and place hidden flags to be defended, while trying to capture the opposing team's flags. Game play requires the children to exercise, running around the field defending and capturing flags, as well as cooperate with teammates on the best strategy. There are many party games for children, but Capture the Flag is certainly one of the best and most parent-friendly birthday party games available.

All of these classic games encourage boys to socialize, plan strategies and put down the Playstation controller. These are games that are fun for many ages groups, to be enjoyed by parents as well as children. Interaction with family is important for a child's mental development and self esteem. Games are an inexpensive and easy way for families and friends to bond and have fun.  

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