Where did you learn the deepest and most inspirational lessons of your youth? Very likely, the majority were a result of observation, as opposed to lectures.

Weaving lessons into everyday life, particularly fun activities such as a game that your child chose to play with you, is a profoundly effective means of education. As you play with your son or daughter, new ideas will definitely come to your mind. Here are some thoughts to help you turn an ordinary game into a springboard that will impart timeless values for your children.

Integrity: The urge to win a game can often become so powerful that we are moved to cheating. You can discuss the benefits of honesty and the detriments of deception, while playing a board game with your kids.

Here are some additional winning points:

Winning: It is human nature to feel good when you have won and achieved something, yet how did you make your opponent feel? Did you gloat in arrogance, or did you handle the winning with modesty?

Taking advantage of the weak: While playing a game with your child, there are abundant opportunities to take advantage of other players who are younger, less experienced, or simply not as attentive to the rules. This is a good time to talk about fairness versus aggression.

Be happy with what you have: There is a fine line between striving to become better and being content with who you are and what you presently have. Share insights with your children that oftentimes in retrospect the bad things were blessings in disguise.

The glass is half full: Whether you won or lost, as a parent you can use the game as an opportunity to complement your child on a smart move, or getting along with another player amicably. No matter how well or poorly the game was played; you can always find a way to praise an aspect of how your child played.

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