Playing card games is a timeless pastime enjoyed by all ages. From improving cognitive and motor skills in children to providing therapeutic benefits for adults, the benefits of card games are numerous. Card games have been around for centuries, with the earliest reference dating back to 10th century China. Though once regarded as luxury items only available to the rich, card production costs have significantly reduced, making them a popular choice for traditional games.
In addition to being entertaining and relaxing, card games offer hidden learning opportunities. Playing with cards can help children develop their motor skills, including dexterity and eye-hand coordination. Cognitive skills are also enhanced by playing card games, from memorization to matching numbers, pattern recognition, and the promotion of complex mathematical concepts. Card games can even foster emotional intelligence, allowing children to take part in friendly competition, while practicing patience, fair play, and communication skills.
The colours and numbers on cards also offer educational benefits, such as improving a child’s numerical identification and comparison skills. Therapists working with children during play therapy often use card games to build a therapeutic relationship, facilitate emotional growth, and even teach new skills. Card games can also be used during online therapy sessions, making them an excellent alternative to electronic games and a healthy way to limit screen time. So why not grab a deck of cards and enjoy the social, emotional, and cognitive benefits they offer?
