Keeping the Kiddos Busy

(Image credit: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fd/Stones_go.jpg) Igo is a Japanese board game of strategy where the object is to occupy as much territory as possible.  The rules are simple, but the game can get engagingly complex. It featured in a popular manga and anime series, Hikaru No Go .  The game has a worldwide following among people of all ages, and you and your children might fall in love with it as well. Unfortunately, igo boards are difficult to find especially during this lockdown.  But there are many venues to learn and play the game online -- like this website , for example. And this one . ( As always, make sure your children know the precautions to take when interacting with strangers online. ) Pretty soon, you and your children might be engrossed in what the American Go Foundation referred to as "the ancient game of emperors and samurai."

I never learned to play chess.  My friends who love chess say I am missing out on a lot of fun.  Chess is a way for you and your children to have fun together during this lockdown. It is also a way to develop decision-making skills, and it drives home the importance of considering consequences before acting. If you have an unused chess set at home and you know how to play, now is the time to bring it out and teach your children how.  This website is also a good place to learn chess.  It has pages with videos showing the rules and the basic moves. It also gives tips on strategy. It also allows you to play games against the computer and against other chess players.  There is also a forum where you can discuss chess with other enthusiasts. ( WARNING: Parents, please make sure your children know the precautions to take when dealing with random strangers online. ) Your children may be on the way to becoming the next chess champions.