As parents, we are continuously looking for entertainment for our kids. Something that is not over stimulating or damaging but engaging enough. While in an ideal world, we would love to give educational content to our kids all the time, feed them only freshly cooked nutritious food and have zero tolerance for screens, these are just not practical. So I am always trying to balance screens with entertainment, learning and fun. And that's why I am going to share with you the perfect website for children's games, which will keep them hooked yet they would be learning skills the whole time.
1. Unstructured play: Generally I am a big fan of unstructured play. Open ended games evoke creativity in the kids more. Games like Lego and Dominos inspire the kids to think out of the box. My kids don't play with the blocks in a conventional way, they invent games and use the structures/figures made by blocks to fit into those games.
2. Role play: This kind of play again help the kids to unleash their creativity. Whether playing teacher and student, doctor and patient, shopkeeper and customer or simply mother and child, you will be on a wild ride if you happen to witness one of their games. Sometimes I over hear them from the kitchen and many a times, I am invited to watch their camaraderie. I am both in splits and marvel, wondering how innovative my two kids can get.
3. Board games: These are an integral part of any household. While games like Monopoly and Tambola can be played by kids and adults alike, there are a thousand board games, which are cherished by kids. Be it Picktureka or Route, Ludo or Snakes and Ladders, Chinese Checkers etc, these provide endless hours of entertainment. The only downside is that these might lead to saturation and the kids may deny playing again after a period of time. Also they have fixed rules and regulations, and not necessarily thought provoking.
4. Online kids' games: There isn't a child in this universe who is not "bored". Even after getting them the best of toys and games, books and a cutely decorated room, they are bound to bug with "Mom, I am bored."
So what to do in that scenario? While making them watch television/tablet might solve the problem, but it's temporary. You don't want them to stare at the screen endlessly and not learn anything. That's when I prefer them playing online games. Because let's face it, you can't refrain from screens. So it's better that you put them to use productively.
Mortgage Calculator has a myriad of games that offer not only non stop entertainment to the kids but also teach them practical skills like currency, real estate, food, restaurants, business, environment, etc. Basically the games they offer are financial based, something which we need to teach our children from a young age.
There are a plethora of games that would keep the kid hooked along with learning the nuances of earning, maintenance, etc.
Some of my favourite games which I love for my kids (as well as playing myself...Shhhhh secret) are Idle Farming business, Idle Hypermarket Empire, Coffee shop etc
In idle Farming business, you have to grow potatoes first in a plot of land. Then you start harvesting them and earning money. Then you can buy more plots with that money to grow other vegetables like carrots, wheat, corn etc to make more money. Also rain cloud and sun help you in quicker harvest and production respectively. Such a cute way to learn how the business of farming works.
In Idle Hypermarket Empire, you get to play the simulation of a grocery store. Initially you work and earn money and then use that money to hire managers to automate work flow. You have to earn money to open more floors and then get more work done by the workers and earn more money. Of course this teaches you earning, maintenance as well as spending. One can spend hours doing this.
Coffee Shop is a fantastic game that will keep your kiddos hooked. We know how much coffee is important. My kids already know that I can't function without coffee and they love iced coffee. So it really makes sense that they set up a coffee shop and start a business.
You get 30 days to run your business. The Cafe Calypso is a happening little coffee shop. You have to buy inventory like coffee cups, milk, sugar, spoons and of course coffee. The thought bubble of the customer indicate what they want...like they want creamier coffee, stronger coffee, etc. Some say that it's too hot for a cuppa and all. You need to have enough inventory for the day or you will go out of stock.
Recycling games: Sort the trash. In this game you have to collect the recyclable items in the bin to earn points. This teaches you what all are recyclable like soda cans, plastic bottles, tetra packs etc. I put straws in the bin only to learn that they are not recyclable! Learning never ends!
These game are all free and have attractive graphics and music. Your child is definitely going to leave the device more savvy about money management as well as entertained.
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5. Last but not the least, books. Book reading requires more focus than ever before. Raising a reader is easy if you yourself are one. Inculcating the habit of reading requires bedtime reading, easy access to books and of course attractive reading material. Reading will never become obsolete, even if the internet says so. After all, reading online articles too requires focus and attention, which in turn comes from reading.
Which one of these is your favourite activity for your kid? Which game are you going to try first?
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
in collaboration with Dr. Preeti Chauhan.
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