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Parenting

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Original poster

Would you be interested in this...

14 replies

xxHelenExx · 10/05/2017 11:38

Hi, I'd love some feedback please for a new idea for a pre-schoolers' play group, aimed at children aged 2-5. It would be a board game club run by a qualified teacher for children to play games with others their age but with the safety of having their parents with them. There would be other activities such as craft and construction, also refreshments would be offered. Alternatively, would you take your children to an existing cafe to play board games under supervision whilst the parents could have a chat?! Any advice on whether this would be a club you'd take your children to, and how much you would pay for this would be greatly appreciated! Thank you! xx

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JaxingJump · 10/05/2017 11:43

I'd say it would be very tough and stressful to try and get a bunch of 2, 3 and even 4 yr olds to sit and play board games. Other than that it doesn't sound any different to a normal mums and tots group?

I'd love to have a cafe where the kids could also play but again, board games are unlikely to work for my 2 and 4 yr old. They are too young to sit and concentrate with a stranger, especially in a noisy place like a cafe.

EivissaSenorita · 10/05/2017 11:45

Agree that board games are completely unsuitable for children of this age. All the wee counters etc could be a choking hazard for a start without trying to get them to sit to play in the first place

Original poster

xxHelenExx · 10/05/2017 12:43

Thank you for your feedback! The board games wouldn't have small pieces, more like bingo type games with cards, pop up pirate etc. I can see your point about the concentrating with someone unfamiliar to them being a challenge though! Back to the drawing board...

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2 year olds General education General parenting

JaxingJump · 10/05/2017 12:45

Could you offer something to cafes rather than parents? Where they hire you to do 'kids hour' doing (non messy) craft or something at certain times in the week in the corner of the cafe?

stopmoaningpip · 10/05/2017 12:47

My 3 year old is pretty reluctant to sit still doing anything (board games/craft/drawing etc).... But I know other people with 3 year olds who will sit and draw for ages, so they're all different.
I think board games would need a lot of intensive supervision over taking turns etc - more suitable for primary age I think.

2014newme · 10/05/2017 12:48

2-3 year olds aren't really old enough to play board games for an hour
Bingo requires number recognition which some 4 year olds ate still developing.

No I wouldn't sign up for this.we can play games at home without the expense. I can't see the point in it?

Highlove · 10/05/2017 14:04

No I wouldn't do this. Sorry, I really don't think this idea works with pre-schoolers.

Original poster

xxHelenExx · 10/05/2017 20:29

Thank you all for your feedback, I appreciate your comments xx

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MrsJamesMathews · 10/05/2017 20:36

I'd rather crush my head in a vice tbh.

Even for the children more inclined to sit still and listen to the rules, waiting their turn and actually abiding by the rules is never going to go well.

NuffSaidSam · 10/05/2017 20:37

That gave me cold chills just reading it!

I don't think it would work for that age group OP. There are some children in that age group who like board games and can concentrate, but they are few and far between. The ones that will play the games have often not developed the skill of being a good loser, so even if they manage the game it's likely all hell will break loose at the end.

Then you've got the younger siblings. Eating the pieces, knocking the board over...no!

But my older DC do like board games and I hate playing with them. I like the old fashioned enjoyment of a board game, away from screens etc. so it's something I would consider doing on a Saturday/after school with my older DC. More like a youth club vibe.

thinkfast · 10/05/2017 20:41

Have you ever tried playing board games with that age group? Why torture yourself like that

Trixiebelle16 · 10/05/2017 22:29

I look after 2-5 year olds and now and then have to play sit down games with them. This is what generally happens: child 1 gets bored after a few mins and wanders off, child 2 just starts picking up pieces randomly as they have no concept of turn taking or rules, child 3 strops because they aren't winning, child 4 strops because it's not their turn yet, child 5 wanders in and demands to join in despite it being the middle of a game and child 6 (usually a two year old) wanders in and trashes the whole game. Don't do it to yourself!! A group where the focus is a mixture of physical activity, craft and construction will be much better x

ScarlettFreestone · 10/05/2017 22:36

We are a board game loving family but board games at preschool age require intense adult participation.

You'd have to have so many staff that it wouldn't be cost effective.

Alternatively you'd need the parents to join in and apologies that just doesn't sound like something I'd pay for.

Do you have a background in childcare because this idea just isn't realistic with this age group?

Intransige · 10/05/2017 22:43

There is no way DD (3.5) would sit still playing board games with other kids. Much as I would love her to, she just isn't interested. Trixie's description is exactly what would happen.

I'd pay for woodland play though. She loves collecting leaves and digging holes and generally messing about in the garden.

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