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.
Excuse me, as I jump in here and comment on the above quote.
passthepotatoes, Your observation reminded me of my own experience in Kindergarten. You are right. The kids made up their own rules and generally made a mess of every "game" played.
So, at this point, I don't know if it's a disservice to teach our children the correct "sportsmanship" or not!~
Our kids remember instruction very well and are sometimes "rigid" in their rule-following.
What to do?
We want them to socialize well with other children their age. Should we not teach them at all in this arena?
