One Enchanted Board Game...

 AD|Enchanted Forest Game Gifted by Ravensburger

Whether it's your Dad always winning at snap, your Granny cheating at chess or your little brother sending the counters flying, most of us have memories of playing board games as a child.

Here are 5 reasons why playing board games as a family still stands the rest of time…

1. Playing board games like Enchanted Forest allows little ones to practise taking turns. The rule book helps here, in this case, stating that the youngest player starts first (this cut cries of "it's not fair, I wanted to go first"). Playing games with your child affords you the opportunity to model how to wait your turn, teach your child how to know when it’s their turn (eg it’s your turn after Mummy) and also lead by example with encouraging words and praise for others while you wait for a go. 

2. Board games come in many different shapes, sizes and guises and most board help to teach life skills in some way. Enchanted Forest uses two dice, which encourages counting and number recognition. It also focusses on strategy, problem solving, matching and honing memory skills.

3. As well as the inevitable frustrations, playing games together can also lead to so many different conversations and much fun and laughter. Playing games is a great way to spend quality time together.

4. Board games are available based on so many different themes, which makes them ideal to explore a favourite topic or interest. Honey and Ace are huge storybook fans and they love spending time in the woods, so I knew Enchanted Forest would pique their interest. The game has 3D pieces, as well as a colourfully illustrated board and I can imagine them playing it 'in real life' and hunting for the King's treasure next time we go out for a walk! 

5. Nobody is left out, you can find a game for any size of group and most can be adapted to suit a range of ages, even if it’s simply teaming a young child up with an older child or adult. 

If you fancy getting the family together and competing to rule the kingdom, Enchanted Forest is available from Smyths Toys Superstores (RRP £15.99).