Let the Games Begin: Why Early Games Matter for Preschoolers
From I Spy to Pop the Pig, early games aren't just for fun (though they're definitely fun!). They're powerful tools for building essential skills in young children. Playing games with preschoolers helps develop language, social-emotional abilities, attention, and even early executive functioning.
Studies have shown that preschoolers who play rule-based games use 46% more words and show 40% stronger self-regulation skills than their peers. Structured play builds the foundation for learning how to take turns, handle big emotions, listen to directions, and communicate effectively.
Let’s dive into when and how to start playing games! Please note, this blog includes affiliate links to my favorite games. Easily shop my recommendations by clicking the link. I may receive a small commission for qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting!cjat
🧩 When to Start Playing Games (and How to Introduce Them)
Many parents wonder: When should I start playing games with my child? The answer might surprise you—as early as age 2, depending on your child’s interest and attention span.
At this stage, you’re not pulling out board games yet. Instead, think simple, social, and silly. Early games don’t need pieces or winners—just playful back-and-forth moments.
Tips for introducing games:
Start with repetition: Play the same game (like bowling or Roll and Play) multiple times so your child can anticipate what comes next.
Use short turns: Even one quick “my turn, your turn” exchange builds turn-taking skills. Consider starting with just you and your child, no other siblings or friends around to add wait time and impulsive decisions.
Demonstrate and use simple language: The first few rounds, play together without turns. Demonstrate and let the child have time to absorb and see what the expectations are first. Narrate what’s happening (“You popped the bubble!”) to build vocabulary.
Keep it low pressure: If your child walks away mid-game, that’s okay! Follow their lead and try again later. Games should be fun and if you find the game you tried isn’t a hit, that’s okay! Put it away and try another day.
🎲 How Game Play Evolves by Age
Age 2 to 2.5 Years:
Games are very simple and mostly adult-led.
Toddlers begin to understand the idea of turn-taking, but may need reminders and short play periods.
My favorite games for 2 year olds: Roll and Play or Monkey Around. These two are very simple, don’t require sitting (in fact they both encourage lots of movement) and introduce the idea of taking turns and listening to the directions. They both are great for teaching one step directions, new vocabulary, pretend play, and so many more language concepts.
Age 3:
Children can begin to follow simple rules with help at this age. They may also be ready to understand the concept of an “end result” like, who will make the bunny jump in Jumping Jack?!
A note: like every other part of parenting, everyone seems to have very strong opinions on both sides of the “let them win” mentality. Some people think you should let young children win games to avoid major emotions, some people think you should NOT let children win so that they learn to appropriately handle disappointment and setbacks. My philosophy is somewhere in the middle. Mainly, I put little to no emphasis on winning or losing. I focus on the fun! Most kids naturally become competitive at this age, so they tend to be fixated on being the one to win. I respond to this calmly and by modeling sportsmanship.
“HAHA I won, you lost!” - Me: “Oh yeah, you did win! That’s awesome! Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose. I just like to play because this game is so fun!”
“Awwww I lost, I hate this game!” - Me: “Oh bummer, you didn’t win this time. Every game someone wins and someone doesn’t win. But, we always play again so we can all have a turn to win.”
At the end of the day, whatever you choose is great for you. Just make sure to model being a good sport and put very little pressure on the end of the game. Sibling rivalry can easily be worsened through games, so try not to encourage or entertain any negative sportsmanship or taunting, as innocent or funny as it may seem.
My ultimate favorite games to introduce at this age are suspense-style, cause-and-effect games like Pop the Pig, Jumping Jack and Pop-up Pirate! A new favorite for mine is Trash Stash (but be warned, the pieces for this one are TINY and not safe to play around baby siblings).
Beyond cause-and-effect toys, this is a great age to introduce simple matching games like Memory to work on executive functioning skills and concentration. When first introducing, stick to 3-4 matches only, then build up once they understand the overall concept.
Don’t have the budget to buy lots of games? My favorite at this age to play for FREE is “I Spy!” Mix it up beyond “I spy something blue” and add in concepts like “I spy something round/empty/cold” and more!
Age 4:
Preschoolers can follow multi-step directions and begin to better manage winning and losing (with support!).
Introduce board games like Candy Land, Guess Who and Sequence. My favorite first card game is Go Fish or Slap Jack!
For more free ideas, Simon Says and Duck, Duck, Goose are classics for a reason! They’re easy to follow and practice necessary cognitive skills.
Age 5:
Kids can play more independently and may start explaining rules to others.
Games involving memory, sequencing, or early strategy are fun and beneficial.
They begin developing emotional resilience around losing and can enjoy longer, more structured game sessions.
My favorites at this age are Trouble, Old Maid and Connect 4!
🚀 5 Tips to Keep Games Fun, Low Pressure & No Drama
Keep It Light
Focus on connection over competition. Use silly voices, cheer for everyone, and celebrate trying—not just winning.Skip the Pressure
If your child loses interest or walks away, that’s okay! End the game playfully and try again another time.Model Good Sportsmanship
Say things like, “That was fun! Let’s play again soon,” whether you win or lose. It may feel natural to joke or be sarcastic and play up losing/winning, but be careful of how you do this. Children won’t always understand when you’re joking and this is setting the stage for how they cope with setbacks like losing a simple game.Adjust the Rules
Simplify the game to meet your child’s developmental level. Fewer turns? No problem.Watch for Frustration
If emotions run high, pause and name the feeling: “It’s okay to feel upset. Want to take a break?”
💡 Final Thoughts
Playing games with young children is more than just a way to pass time. It’s a fun, meaningful, research-backed way to support early communication, social-emotional growth, and self-regulation. Start small, keep it playful, and enjoy the connection that comes with every silly roll, pop, or turn.
Let the games begin!
