“Harmony’s Toolbox” features products that I personally use and recommend.
Board games are a great way to spend time with your kids. Our time together is limited, so I’m always looking for ways to make the most of it, instead of just sitting like zombies in front of the television. I thought we might be rushing things when the kids didn’t seem too interested in games like Chutes and Ladders and Sorry. We played a modified game of Monopoly with Goofball, but he was really just following our step-by-step directions. Hungry, Hungry Hippos didn’t even hold their attention very long. I’m not sure what it is, but my toddlers LOVE the Ladybug Game!!
Each player gets a ladybug to move along the board. The cards have numbers to tell you how many spaces to move – green for forward and red for backward. If there is a ladybug on the bottom of the card, you get to go again. Even though Goofball can’t read the words, he understands what each card means. There are two main obstacles to get through: a praying mantis (in order to pass him you need a “bug off” card) and the ants (you need to pay them 10 aphids to get through).
I think we’ve played this game a hundred times since they received it as a present on Christmas. The rules are simple enough that Goofball will set it up and play by himself, or help his sister play with him. I’m still amazed that Tornado actually sits still long enough to finish the game. They both keep asking us to play again and again. I love that it teaches counting and some basic math (adding and subtracting little bugs called aphids). And it’s quality entertainment without the need to spend money. I highly recommend this game for toddlers, and parents will have fun too!
