Zen, you might try bringing home a strategy game or two and playing them at home with family first. "Killer Bunnies" is a great starter strategy + plenty of luck game that is not only fun but the color text is hilarious. It's appropriate for just about any age group.
For anyone that is the parent of a child who can't get enough gaming, you'll be a hero and you'll see your kid as if in a candy store if you plan a weekend vacation to GenCon, billed as "The Best 4 Days in Gaming!" It's the largest gaming convention in the world, held in Indianapolis each August.
