Teach your children to play Dungeons and Dragons?

“Since it is so likely that children will meet cruel enemies, let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage. Otherwise you are making their destiny not brighter but darker” CS LEWIS

It wasn’t too long ago there was a certain stigma attached to Dungeon and Dragons and games similar in nature.   Nerds and geeks playing in dim classrooms of schools on the fringe of society.  We were outcasts.

 

Fast forward 30-40 years and geek culture, Dungeons & Dragons are now the cool hobbies.  Pop-culture has hit an all-time high and the D&D non-fans are influenced by popular shows like “The Big Bang Theory” and “Stranger Things”. D&D is mainstream and part of our culture.

 

 

 

 

The internet has exploded with information and the latest 5e products are some of the best  I’ve seen.

For those of us that have grown up with the game and now have kids it can sometimes be hard to find the time to play.  Yoda would tell you “Teach your kids you will!”  There is no greater power than the power of inspiring a young mind.

There are so many benefits that your children can gain from sitting around a table playing the game of our youth.

Dungeon and Dragons groups tend to become friends for life. Even though some live many thousands miles away with sites like Roll20 and Fantasy Grounds we still manage to play a couple times a month.  Those nerds I hung out with in dusty classrooms and shady comic stores are all still friends after numerous decades of adventures.

Kids will learn the important skills they need to be successful in life.  Teamwork and collaboration as they navigate through increasingly difficult puzzles and problems.   As they face new challenges they are learning how to build a team with diverse personalities and work together, often with limited resources.

D&D is key in encouraging social interaction. Take the game controller away and interact with your friends while you make friends with Strange Wizards and High Kings.

There is a lost art of storytelling and imagination.  D&D has inspired writers, artists, along with a host of other professions.  Let your kids grow their creative side.

You will help create and influence a new generation of writers and story tellers and lifelong friends.

Finally, I want to leave you with one final thought.  The greatest gift you will ever receive playing D&D with your kids is time.  Time spent together exploring the ruins of castles and defeating dragons.   Create your family story and adventure.  Don’t wait, because time is precious. Your kids want nothing more than your time.