" Playing nice is important" But it is more important to teach people how to play nice.

Mage Knight Tournament A long time ago.

I admit I have my failures as a father and husband.Today my wife ,daughter and I played a board game based on the Disney JR. Show Sophia the first.  You can find it here on Amazon at this affiliate link, Princess Sofia Surprise Slides Board Game. A cute little game but I found myself upset when my child would cheat, knock over pieces, not hold the spinner right. It made the game unenjoyable for me but when I reflect, my child was having fun and I was there for companionship. I felt it was my responsibility to teach her how to play the game right. When I reflect it is more important at her age 3.5 to just teach her to play.

There were only three of us so her stuffed bunny her cousin gave her when she was born was the fourth player. Her mom spun for the bunny sometimes and my child would move her pieces. She petted the bunny, she giggled with the bunny, meanwhile I'm trying to teach her to be respectful of the pieces on the board and how to properly hold and spin the spinner.

I figured out a bit why. I grew up in a home where chess was not just a game it was a sacred ritual. My father would scold me, grab and strike my hand when I would bang the chess pieces or make a poor move. For him it was mental exercise not a game or play. I guess that rubbed off on me a bit. I love games, but I can tell you that when I attend gaming conventions  and play with people who have poor manners at the table I get upset and I let them know.

Lesson learned. There it a time and place for etiquette when playing a game. When you playing with your child especially when they are young, the most import thing is playing.

Discussion: How do you teach the proper way to play games to young children.