Michaela - It sort of sounds like you are saying if he learns how to follow the game rules and take turns with a parent then he will be able to play with older kids successfully. In my experience that's not how it really works. Most preschool and lower elementary kids don't play board games successfully with other kids. It tends to be an activity they do more with older siblings or adults. Even if your kid gets it down 100% with you he still may not find 4-8 year olds who are able to do the same. Many in this age range will creatively change the rules as it suits them and your son who has been taught to follow the rules may find himself totally unprepared to deal with that. And, none of that is getting into the reality that five year olds may have no interest in playing with a two year old no matter how advanced.
That isn't to say you shouldn't play card or board games. They are lots of fun. It may also be an area where he could start to learn to play by himself (or against a teddy bear).
