Enjoying Family Entertainment

Many children express an interest in playing miniatures games, perhaps after learning about such pastimes from friends at school or online forums. There are many different styles of miniatures games, but they generally have some manner of war or fantasy theme, and players will often paint their own figures and then get together with likeminded friends to compete. Even if there's a large part of you that doesn't remotely understand this interest of your child, it's important for you to know that playing miniatures games can help your son or daughter to develop many life skills, including the following.

Seeing The Big Picture

Playing miniatures games requires players to be highly strategic. For example, a player who moves all of his or her pieces to attack an opponent can easily get flanked by the same opponent or a different one, thus being eliminated from the game. Playing miniatures games will help your child to see the big picture. In other words, he or she will need to evaluate the entire game and make smart decisions that may not be flashy, but that can lead to success. There are many ways that such an approach can benefit your child in life away from the game.

Good Sportsmanship

A child who is new to the world of miniatures games may find himself or herself pitted against players who are more seasoned. This can lead to some one-sided games early on, although these contests can also serve as learning experiences for your child — and he or she will hopefully get better. In the meantime, good sportsmanship is a lesson that he or she will learn. At a tournament or games day, for example, other players observe how each new player is interacting. If your child exemplifies good sportsmanship, other players will be more apt to help him or her.

Risk Assessment

Success in the miniatures game environment requires skill when it comes to threat assessment. Your child will learn how to look at how the game is unfolding, assess where his or her opponents are strong, and decide the best course of action. Sometimes, your child will make the wrong decision, and this could result in losing the game. However, wrong decisions and losses are generally good opportunities to learn, and your child may soon become adept at assessing risks. This is another attribute that can benefit him or her well outside of the miniatures gaming community.