PITTSBURG, Kan. — During Tuesday night’s 6/20 celebrations, kids and their parents could opt for some inside fun at the Pittsburg Law Enforcement Center with Bonding Thru Board Games. The event was cosponsored by the K-State Wildcat Extension and the Pittsburg Family Response Advocates.

According to Family and Child Development Agent Michelle Broxterman of the Wildcat Extension, there are six traits strong families share: spending time together, showing affection and appreciation, open communication and listening, spiritual wellness, the ability to cope, and a commitment to each other.

Tuesday’s Bonding Thru Board Games is a perfect example of spending time together. Tabletop games help reinforce positive socialization such as sharing, patience, negotiation, and taking turns. They can also have an educational aspect by aiding in reading, problem-solving and mathematical skills. Tabletop games also require players to take a break and step away from technology and engage in personal interactions with other players in real time.

“We prefer to use Eurogames,” Broxterman said, “because they tend to promote inclusiveness and cooperation.”

Board and card games offer a plethora of game mechanics and styles that vary based on European or American influences. Eurogames focus on simple, elegant mechanics and often prioritize player cooperation over elimination, competition over subjugation. American games, cheekily called Ameritrash, focus on complex mechanics that enhance the setting and encourage players to defeat or conquer the others.

At the end of the evening, children were able to win a game of their choice through a raffle. Every child present won a game. 

“Board games include everyone,” Broxterman said.