Level The Playing Field For Your Children (NAPSA)—When, after a long day of work assignments and running errands, you've finally got the whole family together, finding an activity the entire family enjoys doesn't have to be a tough task. First, recognize that siblings are different. Regrettably, children’s individual strengths and weaknesses are often the cause of sibling rivalry, angst and discomfort, rather than cause for celebration. Finding family activities and games that highlight multiple skills can play an importantrole in helping children—and parents— discover their own unique talents and learn to respect other family members’distinct skill sets. Next, follow these quick and easy tips to find activities that allow the whole family to shine. * Discover diversity—Kids love to act, sketch, puzzle and crack secret codes, why not provide them with a gamethat hasit all? Whether your children are ultra creative or trivia types, a game such as Cranium Cadoo will get them thinking, creating, giggling and grinning as they flex both right and left brain muscles with purple clay sculptures and fun-fact trivia questions. * Makeit a team effort—Not all activities have a winner and loser. Age-old favorites such as the “telephone game” or impromptu talent shows work best when kids work together. Reward activities that require assorted skills and teamwork from each of your children; a lemonade stand needs both an eye-catching sign and a good bookkeeper. * Challenge your brain— Find games that make learning fun. Especially for the youngerset, gamesthat teach early learning fundamentals—ABCs, numbers, shapes and colors—provide a jumpstart in developing spatial, social and verbal skills. Cranium Cariboo is one example of a game that uses matchmaking activities to teach shapes, letters, colors and numbers, while encouraging children’s development of important group skills such as sharing and taking turns. * Nurture talent—Get to know your child on a social level. When families spend quality time together in a fun, interactive environment, it helps foster an appreciation for different skill sets. Whetherit’s coming together for a game night or taking the time to practice a tricky ballet spin, twopoint jump shot or math equation, discovering your daughter has your mind for math and her grandfather’s musical talent can be a bright spot in both your days. For more information about family games, visit www.cranium. com orcall 877/272-6486.
