Family Game Time: How to Help Your Child Cope with Frustration

Why Family Games Often End in Tears (and Why That's Okay)

It's Saturday night. You've just finished clearing the dinner table, and someone suggests a board game—something simple, like Uno or Monopoly. You imagine laughs, bonding, and a sweet memory in the making. But fast-forward twenty minutes, and your nine-year-old is in tears because they lost. Again. You’re left wondering: Is it wrong to keep playing games if they always end like this?

If this feels all too familiar, take heart. You're not alone. Family game time often brings more than just fun; it brings emotions, challenges—and yes, a fair share of frustration, especially for kids aged 6 to 12. And it's not just about losing. Sometimes, children feel overwhelmed when rules aren't followed, when turns take too long, or when they aren't in control. Their brains and emotions are still developing, and frustration is often part of the journey.

Understanding the Roots of Frustration

Frustration isn’t a flaw—it's a signal. When your child becomes upset during gameplay, try to see past the outburst and into what might lie beneath. Are they struggling with perfectionism? Do they feel a strong sense of justice? Are they comparing themselves to a sibling?

For some children, especially those already dealing with learning difficulties or self-confidence issues, a simple game can feel like yet another test they’re destined to fail. Recognizing this helps you respond with empathy instead of frustration of your own.

Slowing Down to Build Coping Muscles

Rather than avoiding games altogether, you can use them as low-stakes ways to help your child work through difficult emotions—with your guidance by their side. The safest place to fail, after all, is at home.

Here are a few ways to slow down game time and turn it into a learning experience:

• Set the tone before playing: Let your child know that it's okay if the game gets silly, if someone makes a mistake, and yes—even if they lose. Normalize the ups and downs as part of the fun.
• Introduce practice rounds: Especially with new games. "Let’s do a practice game first," takes the pressure off and gives children a chance to focus on learning, not winning.
• Pause for feelings, not just rules: If your child is getting upset, take a break—not to punish, but to pause. "Want to take a breath with me before we keep going?" can go a long way.

There’s also a big difference between letting kids win and helping them handle losing better. If you’re wondering how to strike that balance, you might find this article on helping your child build resilience after losing especially helpful.

Modeling Emotional Flexibility

Children learn far more from what we demonstrate than what we dictate. Showing how you handle making mistakes, bad hands, and lost games teaches more than any speech could. Even light-hearted self-talk like “Oof, tough round! I’ll try again next time,” helps them internalize that it’s okay to feel disappointed—and then move on.

If a sibling gloats or teases, use it as a teachable moment. “We celebrate our wins kindly,” you might say, gently reminding them that the goal of playing together is connection, not domination. For more tips on fostering good sportsmanship, this piece on helping your child lose with grace offers thoughtful guidance.

Strengthening Emotional Tools Off the Game Board

Sometimes, the best time to build frustration tolerance isn’t during the heat of the game. Storytelling, imaginative play, and screen-free rituals can provide a gentler environment where kids can practice feeling big emotions safely.

The iOS and Android versions of the LISN Kids app offer original audiobooks and series designed for children aged 3–12, which can help children build emotional awareness, empathy, and perspective-taking. Listening to relatable characters navigate tricky feelings often opens doors to conversations you otherwise wouldn't know how to start.

When to Take a Break (and When to Try Again)

Sometimes, it’s okay to shelve the board games for a little while. If every game ends in meltdown, don’t force it. Try creating screen-free rituals that offer connection without competition. Card games or co-op games—where everyone works together towards a common goal—can also shift the atmosphere.

You might also consider shorter, simpler games to reintroduce fun gradually. There’s no prize for pushing through emotional overwhelm. But with time, and your support, frustration doesn’t have to be the enemy—it can be the teacher.

The Takeaway

Yes, family games can trigger tears and tantrums. But they also open up beautiful possibilities: chances to connect, to practice empathy, and to learn how to struggle together. Your child’s frustration isn't a barrier to connection—it’s an invitation. One that, with patience, perspective, and playfulness, you can gently accept.

And if you’re still wondering what to do when your child melts down after a loss, there's more support in this guide on helping kids who can't handle losing.