Article brought to us by Online Solitaire
Playtime with a purpose: games to help your kid shine socially
Key Points:
- Expert reveals 10 games that can help your kids develop stronger social skills
- Why classics like hide and seek, Uno, charades, Go Fish, and even Solitaire can help your kids learn key social skills
- Expert gives his tips on how parents can fit these games into their day without needing lots of time, money, or special supplies
Making friends can be downright intimidating, even for grown-ups. Now imagine being a kid, stepping into a new classroom, playground, or birthday party, where everyone seems to know the secret handshake but you. It’s no wonder so many kids feel scared when faced with unfamiliar situations!
That’s where parents come in—armed not with lectures but with something way better: games. “Good old-fashioned playtime can be a magical way to help kids build confidence, work well with others, and navigate the complex maze of making friends,” says Holger Sindbæk, the Founder & CEO of Online Solitaire, a leading platform offering free, easy-to-play solitaire games. “These activities can teach important social skills without kids feeling like they’re stuck in a boring lesson.”
Below, Holger shows you how these simple, fun games will strengthen your bond with your child and help them become more confident and outgoing!
1. Charades
Acting out words or phrases without speaking encourages your kids to be creative and think quickly under pressure. It also teaches them to express themselves and communicate nonverbally while figuring out how to interpret others’ actions. This game is ideal for building confidence, especially when kids see it’s okay to be silly!
“Charades is also great because it doesn’t require any tools to play, like dice or cards,” says Holger. “It’s not a great game to play in public spaces, though, because players shouting their guesses tend to get loud!”
2. Uno
This family favorite is all about strategy and a touch of luck, making it the perfect game for teaching kids social and problem-solving skills. Kids can practice turn-taking, learn to adapt and respond gracefully to surprises like Wild or Reverse cards, and stay focused while planning their next move.
“Uno can actually be a subtle way to teach kids to manage their emotions,” says Holger. “You can teach kids that losing a hand is something that happens and should be just part of the fun, and on the flip side, winning shouldn’t mean gloating.” The game is also portable, making it a great pick for road trips or lazy afternoons.
3. Scavenger Hunt: A Quest For Teamwork
Scavenger hunts combine adventure with learning. “Whether you’re searching for hidden objects in the backyard, around the house, or at the park, this game gets kids thinking creatively and working together,” says Holger.
Playing as a team encourages collaboration and communication as kids discuss clues, divide tasks, and celebrate their victories together. It’s also a great way for parents to get involved—offer little hints when needed or join the hunt yourself to add an extra layer of fun.
4. Hide And Seek
This simple game has stood the test of time for a reason. Hide and Seek teaches patience (while waiting for their turn to seek), strategy (where’s the perfect hiding spot?), and even self-regulation (staying quiet while hiding).
Playing as a family strengthens trust, especially when parents join in. You can spice it up by playing in the dark with flashlights for an extra thrill or adding “safe zones” to encourage strategy.
5. Simon Says
This classic game is a masterclass in listening and attention to detail. Kids must follow instructions only when the command begins with “Simon says.” It’s a fun way to reinforce focus and self-control while sharpening their ability to distinguish between similar cues.
“You can mix in some silly actions like ‘Simon says dance like a robot’ or ‘Simon says pretend to sneeze!’” says Holger.
6. Jenga
Jenga is a game of steady hands, but it’s also a chance to teach kids patience, decision-making, and risk assessment. Every move requires thought: “Which block should I pull without making the tower tumble?”
Parents can encourage discussion during the game, helping kids weigh options and predict outcomes. And when the tower finally collapses, it’s a moment of shared laughter and an opportunity to show kids how to embrace setbacks with a smile.
7. Go Fish
Go Fish is a card game that emphasizes communication skills and the art of asking questions. Kids practice making clear, polite requests and responding to others honestly.
“It’s also a fantastic way to teach patience and perseverance—after all, sometimes you’ve got to keep fishing for that elusive card!” says Holger. Go Fish is simple enough for younger children to grasp, which makes it a great way to introduce them to card games and friendly competition.
8. Monopoly (Or Monopoly Junior)
Monopoly may feel like a marathon at times, but it’s packed with valuable life lessons. Kids learn about managing money, negotiating trades, and navigating wins and losses. As they buy properties and build houses, they practice strategic thinking and long-term planning.
Monopoly Junior simplifies the experience for younger kids while teaching them life skills like turn-taking and decision-making. And don’t forget—teaming up to “take down the banker” (aka Mom or Dad) is a great way to bond over shared goals!
9. Connect 4
This simple yet strategic game is all about planning ahead while paying close attention to your opponent’s moves. Kids practice problem-solving, logical thinking, and anticipating consequences, all while enjoying some friendly competition.
Take turns talking through strategies—like blocking your opponent’s moves or setting up your own winning row. Connect 4 is also quick to play, so everyone gets plenty of chances to shine. And since it’s a one-on-one game, it’s a perfect opportunity for one-on-one bonding.
10. Solitaire
This one might sound odd at first – how does the famously single-player game teach kids about social skills? But here’s the thing: learning to entertain yourself and be happy alone is also a social skill.
“There’s a social element in teaching the game, but beyond that, solitaire is a great way of teaching your kids how to enjoy their own company,” says Holger. “Needing others’ attention all the time isn’t a good trait, and Solitaire can teach kids the value of alone time. It’s also a great time-waster that they can use to keep themselves occupied in situations where they have to wait patiently for something, like waiting in a doctor’s waiting room or an airport lounge.”
Holger Sindbæk, the Founder & CEO of Online Solitaire, commented:
“While these games are great, fitting playtime into a busy day can be challenging. Try to find pockets of time to play simple games that don’t require much setup. Hide and Seek, for example, is great for a quick break after dinner. Or keep a deck of Uno cards in your bag for those ‘waiting around’ moments, like at a dentist’s office or before soccer practice.
“For parents who feel genuinely strapped for time, try turning everyday activities into games. Simon Says can make getting dressed in the morning much more fun, and even grocery shopping can become a scavenger hunt.
“As parents, remember that you don’t need to play perfectly, or even that well. Kids don’t care if you’re great at Charades or if the scavenger hunt clues are elaborate. They care that you’re there, laughing with them and making the effort.”
About Online Solitaire
Online Solitaire is a leading platform offering free, easy-to-play solitaire games accessible from any device. They have a sleek, user-friendly interface that provides classic games like Klondike, Spider, and FreeCell, catering to both casual players and gaming enthusiasts.
The website has a smooth, ad-free gaming experience with customizable themes and features to enhance gameplay. Online Solitaire also tracks your progress, helping players improve their skills and challenge themselves. It is a perfect go-to destination for solitaire lovers of all ages for timeless card game fun.
Article brought to us by Online Solitaire
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Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
