Sharing is a critical developmental skill, and it’s not only how children connect and cooperate, but also a big part of being a good brother or sister, or a good friend. However, anyone who spends time with children knows that sharing doesn’t always come naturally, especially for siblings.
Parents might wish for a magic spell to get their kids to play together nicely, but thoughtful toy selection can have the same effect — no wand required.
Peaceable play
The best toy and game options for your family depend in large part on your children’s ages, interests, abilities and personalities, but consider these key attributes to promote more engaging and enjoyable playtime.
Keep it simple: The more straightforward the game or toy is, the easier it will be for all of your kids to get busy playing, instead of figuring out how to play. Also, complex rules may confuse or frustrate younger players, which in turn may annoy older siblings trying to assist or get on with the game.
Aim for real engagement: Whatever sort of game it is — strategic, creative, physical — everyone should be meaningfully involved. Watching one or two players do everything will get old quickly, especially for the watchers.
Emphasize quality over quantity: A shorter game or activity everyone enjoys will be better than a longer one that feels more like punishment than play. Choose games with different durations to accommodate varying attention spans or structure short games as tournaments to keep the action going.
Level the playing field: While older siblings will often have an advantage, that doesn’t have to be the case. For example, Operation rewards a steady hand, and Twister, more flexibility.
Look for “age inclusive” toys and games:
This applies not only to the level of difficulty but also to the subject matter and design. Big kids may turn their noses up at Candyland, while littles may find the very name of Exploding Kittens terrifying.
Shop your closet first
Aisles and online stores stocked with toys and games can be overwhelming for kids and adults alike, but some of the most sibling-friendly activities are probably already in your home: a deck of cards for Go Fish, Crazy Eights or Slapjack; crayons, markers, clay or Play-Doh for art projects and balls of all shapes and sizes for catch, kickball or Four Square.
But don’t stop there; building blocks and Dominos, floor and jigsaw puzzles and many other classic toys invite communication and cooperation. Bingo, Guess in 10 and Uno are also winners, and themed versions of some of these games, such as Pokemon Uno and Marvel Guess in 10, may make them even more appealing.
Super selections for the whole family
Card games like Sushi Go!, Happy Salmon and Do or Donut are always popular, as are cooperative board games like First Orchard, Max and Set Junior. Building games and activities like Jenga, Marble Run, Bristle Blocks and K’NEX can save a rainy day — or any day — and, of course, no roundup of toys would be complete without mention of DUPLO and LEGO bricks.
For a higher activity level, kids of all ages can participate in Simon Says, red light green light and similar games that can be played inside or out. And more outdoorsy families can give Frisbee, badminton, bocce ball, cornhole or other more athletic alternatives a try.
Will siblings, as well as cousins, neighbors and other mixed-age kid groups, go through cycles of playing together joyfully, fighting fiercely and ignoring each other completely? In all likelihood, yes, but having the right toys and games on hand and in mind can tip the scales toward greater sibling harmony and happy memory making.
