Why Board Games Are More Than Just Fun for Preschoolers

If you’ve ever played a board game with a preschooler, you know it can be equal parts adorable and chaotic. But did you know those games might actually help shape how little ones get along with others?

A group of researchers recently looked into how different types of board games—like ones where kids work together versus ones where they compete—might affect young kids’ behavior. They spent six weeks playing games with a bunch of 4- to 6-year-olds and watched how they acted afterward.

So, what did they find?

Cooperative vs. Competitive Games? Not a Huge Difference.

Whether the kids played games that were all about teamwork or all about winning didn’t really change how kind, helpful, or cooperative they were afterward.

A Tiny Bit More Competitive After Competitive Games.

Kids who played more competitive games showed a little more competitiveness in other activities—but it wasn’t a big shift.

Kids Liked Working Together More.

Here’s the sweet part: the preschoolers actually enjoyed the cooperative games more! They were happier when they played as a team rather than against each other.

What This Means for Parents and Caregivers

Don’t stress too much about choosing the “perfect” board game. Both cooperative and competitive games can be great for helping kids learn social skills like taking turns, following rules, and dealing with wins and losses. But if your little one gets extra joy out of games where everyone wins together—go for it!

Tips for Picking Games:

•Pick what they love. If it keeps them engaged, that’s a win.

•Go for games that get them talking, thinking, and working together.

•Keep it fun! The best learning happens when kids are enjoying themselves.

At the end of the day, board games are a fantastic way to connect, laugh, and learn together—no matter who wins.

👉 Want to dive deeper into the study? You can check it out here.