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 By Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D., Dr. Toy Ever wonder why video games are so popular? Things happen really fast when electronics are involved. There seems to be a lot of excitement around these games, but maybe once in awhile you, your friends and your family would like to slow down, turn off the electronics and look for a different activity—spend time that is less frenetic, still fun, and with plenty of benefits. In fact, the best benefit is you spend real time together and actually do something different—talk and laugh. 
If you want a special prescription from Dr. Toy for time that enriches and rewards, you have come to the
right place. Dr. Toy offers you a timely remedy for special, productive and happy times together with your
friends or as a whole family. First, turn off the electronics, the video games and the television! Then, bring out a good assortment of board games. Put your selections out on the dining room table. Bring out some fun snacks like chips and salsa or popcorn. Call everyone together. Let each player pick a favorite game. Now select the first game to be played and get started. Sit down with the game you selected, read the directions and begin the play. Before long, you will all be having a great time. Time passes quickly, and before you can empty the bowl of chips and finish the salsa, everyone will be talking and laughing. When friends or family plays games together, everyone has a healthy, productive and enjoyable time. Everyone benefits! Most of all, everyone enjoys those special game times and taking things a little slower than going all the time at the speed of light. These play experiences are those times everyone will remember. The benefits are great and well worth the time it takes and whatever preparation that is involved. Games that are played with a group are usually inexpensive and can be used over and over again. Many different and wonderful games are available for you to select at the toy or game store, or on the Internet. Have fun! Dr. Toy’s Tips for Successful Game Playing Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D., known as Dr. Toy, is a speaker, author and consultant who has written 15 books, among them “Dr. Toy’s Smart Play/Smart Toys: How to Raise a Child with a High PQ (Play Quotient), published by Educational Insights. Her Web site, “Dr. Toy’s Guide” (www.drtoy.com), was the first Internet Web site that was an exclusive source of information on toys to parents, teachers and retailers. The Web site now has data on over 3,000 toys and games and related materials. Reprinted with permission from Games Quarterly Magazine, Spring 2006. Here's what others have to say about the value of game play: |
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