Are you concerned that today's children spend up to 4-6 hours a day sitting in front of a screen? We're very concerned. This issue is especially acute for children aged three and up. It's well known that their vision isn't fully developed yet, and their psyche isn't ready for rapidly flashing images.

Despite the abundance of excellent computer games that develop skills, doctors are already sounding the alarm. Such prolonged screen time has its consequences. As a result, specialists note increased fatigue, problems with concentration, a lack of face-to-face communication, and a decline in social skills. The COVID-19 quarantine also played a significant role, as kids had no option but to communicate in game chats or via messengers.

We've found a great way to engage a child of any age. And this is by no means a myth. Many parents are already buying such things as gifts. Forget the constant scandals and bans on gadget use. Just find an alternative that works great!

Why "Taking Away the Phone" Isn't the Solution

First, the answer to this question is simple: alternative gadgets exist. Banning everything entirely is simply impossible. The child will switch from the phone to the tablet, and from the tablet to the TV. It's still the same screen, which provides no tangible benefits.

The second negative aspect is that you won't be able to control every minute of your kid's time. This is the reality of today. Teenagers spend much time at school or in extracurricular activities, where they might borrow a friend's gadget. What will you do in such a case when you find out about the incident? Scold them and prevent them from communicating with friends? It is not the solution.

The truth is that children will look for new and alternative ways to return to the screen. This could be a friend's laptop or the TV at home (which is even worse because it only shows commercials and movies without any chance of developing their brains).

The bottom line is: provide a worthy alternative to spending time in an engaging way. There is one method that parents of both children and teenagers have long used.

Today, we'll discuss a superb, modern alternative: board games. We're not talking about boring and overused methods, but about modern and new versions with themes and interests, even for large groups. The choice is so vast that you will surely find a theme your child will love.

What Really Works: Replacing Gadgets with Real-life Experiences

After learning about our idea, many people say their kids will never trade a gadget for a board game. However, the experience of other parents suggests otherwise. You need to choose the right model that will be genuinely engaging. If the first one doesn't work, you'll gain experience and choose a more engaging one based on the comments you receive from your teenager or child.

Important: Alternative leisure activities should be much more emotionally charged than mindlessly and passively staring at a gadget screen.

How can you make a board game more emotionally charged? It's simple: invite friends over and let your child host the party. Offer interesting desserts, snacks, and drinks. You can even invite friends for a sleepover. This allows your child to associate board games with a pleasant and incredibly emotional event. Children may want to organize similar get-togethers regularly.

The second solution is to bring the family closer together. You can give a board game as a Christmas or New Year's gift. Get together with your family. Be open and cheerful. Give your child a chance to love something other than a gadget.

What your baby or teenager gets in the end:

• Incredible excitement.

• Emotional sensations and joy.

• A sense of unity and belonging to the people they play with.

A bonus you might not have thought of: this idea is easier to incorporate into your family's life. Instilling a love of board games is easier than joining clubs. After all, such activities are cheaper than monthly fees for sports clubs. We're not saying you'll replace clubs with these games. However, you'll definitely get your son or daughter interested in something new.

Board Games: Bonding Between Parents and Children

Have you ever noticed how even in a cafe, people act distant from each other while sitting at the same table? They reach for their phones if they get bored, even for a minute.

How can you prevent this silence and lack of communication from entering your family? Board games can become a special tradition and a way to connect physically and on the phone. This method can even be used during difficult teenage years, when you need to get your child to talk to find out how they're doing. After all, sitting silently over a board game is impossible!

Board games can become a family tradition. You can maintain contact and communication not only with your children but also with your spouse. Set aside one evening a week for this leisure activity and stay up-to-date on all the happenings in your partner's life.

Personal experience: We often hear stories of families spending an evening together playing board games. It might not seem easy to establish this as a tradition. However, with the right model, you can become so engrossed that you'll look forward to the evenings when you can get together with friends to play. Once you start, you'll be as hooked as while using the gadget.

TOP Board Games That Will Keep Your Child More Engaged

Seriously wondering which model to choose? We've already researched for you. By visiting popular board game websites like Queensel, you can find options based on age, interest, and mechanics.

We've compiled a versatile list of four options that are sure to appeal to both kids and adults.

SOL43 – Action, Logic, Excitement

Is your child interested in space, the planets of the solar system, or science? Then SOL43 is definitely your choice. This board game features a space theme. Here, you have 43 days for missions on Mars. Sounds exciting? It is!

Who is SOL43 suitable for:

• Small groups or solo players. This board game can even be played solo. That's why introverts love it so much. However, the game is also suitable for two players.

• This is for children who love space. The theme and color will immerse them in the exciting theme of travel and adventures on Mars.

• Suitable for all ages. Website descriptions indicate that it can be played by ages eight and up.

This is an ideal option for children and adults, making it a perfect gift for crafts with family and friends.

Advantages of SOL43:

• Simple rules. Reading the instructions at least once is enough.

• Attractive, themed design.

• The opportunity to play solo when bored. Solo games like this are rare. Therefore, we consider SOL43 a must-have for every home.

• Educational value. In addition to the 43 mission levels being engaging and varied, this board game actively develops the players' brains. You practice strategic thinking and logic.

This is a great option that everyone should have. There's no age limit so you can play this game for years.

Meteor Shower – Attention, Reaction, Fun

This is another set that emphasizes science and space. Imagine yourself on Mars, Jupiter, or even another galaxy.

The game aims to build a continuous chain of fragments and meteorites from one end of the board to the other. And of course, there's intrigue! Your opponent will constantly interfere with your plans and try to break your strategy and meteorite chain.

This board game is even simpler than the previous one, developing an inspiring spirit, competition, logic, and improving strategy skills. Therefore, we also see an emphasis on actively creating a child's thinking.

Who is Meteor Shower suitable for:

• This option is for children ages eight and up and adults. You can spend time together or invite a best friend.

• A small group of two. One-on-one time is the best way to start a conversation. Therefore, the game also promotes socialization and building healthy relationships with others.

• For adults, don't forget about yourself. Spend a fun evening with a loved one or a close relative.

Advantages of Meteor Shower:

• The opportunity to socialize in a close circle.

• Building relationships between friends or with parents.

• Developing logic, strategic thinking, and a creative approach to any situation.

• Competition and the desire to win.

• Ease of use. Briefly explain the rules to a friend or read the instructions.

• It is suitable for almost any age. Although the creator recommends playing for ages eight and up, even children as young as six play in practice.

This is an amazing and, most importantly, simple board game you'll want to buy immediately. Consider this option your entry point into the exciting world of board games.

Dominoes – Classic, Easy to Learn, and Math-intensive

What could be better than a good, forgotten game? Fortunately, today's manufacturers offer such a massive variety of designs. There are even versions for toddlers, where pictures replace the dots on the tiles.

What makes dominoes so valuable:

• Strategic thinking. You can save the winning tiles and surprise your opponent.

• Simple gameplay and rules. This leisure activity truly has no age limit. The availability of versions for children aged three and up proves this fact.

• Social context. You will actively communicate throughout the entire game.

• New strategies every time. A new game will never be the same as the last.

• A clever combination of luck and logic. You get the tiles randomly, but everything depends on how you think and build a sequence and chain.

Who is dominoes suitable for:

• Large groups, starting from two people and up. Sets come in different sizes. You can choose the style of tiles and the number of elements in the set.

• Adults and children. You can create a mix of players without worrying about some players running out of time.

• The rules are simple. Just a few tries, and a player can easily master the skill.

This is a tried-and-true pastime that has been popular for many generations. Explore versions with universal designs or choose a themed one among the wide variety of options.

Chess for Children – Strategy, Patience, Perseverance

Chess is another ancient game. Today, you can find various designs made from multiple materials. There are even elite and collectible options. However, today we're talking about children, who don't always need expensive entertainment. The only essential and practical convenience is the magnets on the pieces to prevent them from falling or moving.

We won't explain the game because everyone knows it. Let's focus on the advantages of such a purchase:

• A fantastic logic trainer. If you want to keep your child's brain racing, this is just the thing.

• Perseverance training. For restless or active teenagers, this can be an excellent balance between the active part of the day and training attention and perseverance.

• Development of strategic thinking. The combination options are enormous. It's especially valuable to play with different partners to practice your skills.

Tip: Since the game requires basic knowledge, start small. First, introduce the elementary steps. There's no need to finish the entire game or put it off until another day. It's essential to pass the time. It's a long game.

Your teenager might love it so much that they'll ask to sign up for a chess-themed club. Chess is another great way to spend time away from your gadgets. Please give kids a beautiful edition of a book describing the combinations. This will keep their interest in chess and train their logic and memory.

Benefits of Board Games You Haven't Considered

First, we briefly mentioned earlier that this activity promotes family interaction. Here's how it works:

• You all get together in a good mood.

• Prepare delicious snacks and drinks that your child loves.

• Agree on the time and date together.

• You can create a theme for your get-together, for example, a pajama party.

Make it a tradition, and at a time convenient for your child. Your get-together shouldn't be busy with chores or homework, and it shouldn't interfere with meeting friends. Time spent together should be enjoyable for everyone.

Second, board games develop the brain and serve as exercise. Some focus on improving memory, others train attention or logic. You can combine two tasks simultaneously – distracting them from the tablet and practicing a specific skill. Regardless of the case, a board game is always better than watching TV or playing violent computer games. 

Thirdly, such gifts teach children to win and foster a competitive spirit. This is especially important for introverted or quiet kids. This activity also provides an opportunity to learn how to lose effectively. You can support them when they fail. 

Avoid losing too often or purposefully to keep your child in a good mood. In the future, it's much more beneficial to teach them to fail without getting upset, aggressive, or crying. Emphasize that they've gained invaluable experience and won't make mistakes again.

As you can see, such games have so many uses and benefits. They don't just distract kids from their gadgets. They also train their brains and develop social skills. If you want a wider selection, we recommend visiting Queensell. They have a variety for everyone in the family. Give your child the unforgettable feeling of victory, teamwork, and excitement.

Conclusions

Gadgets are a big problem for modern parents. They impair memory, stifle imagination, and damage eyesight. There's a solution: board games.

With the right gift and the right atmosphere, you can instill a love of this activity. Choose versions that will engage your child. Today, there are so many options that it's simply impossible to try them just once. Give your kid a chance to take a break from the screen.