Toddler steps with games

The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Games have become a staple in our house. The box has a simple dexterity game and what basically amounts to a simplified Slap Jack but our toddler has not only enjoyed the games but played them by the rules.

The Snacky Squirrel Game just involves moving rubber acorns around plastic tree stumps using squirrel-shaped forceps and following the instructions of a spinner. The only interaction in the game comes from getting to steal from other players. 

Frankly, other than giving the toddler some hand eye coordination practice, the best thing that I can say about it is that it is really cute. It's no Don't Spill the Beans, let alone Animal Upon Animal. But the doodle has fun with it.

I'm more pleased with the Sneaky Squirrel Game, which is basically a very simplified Slap Jack. Yes, I really just wrote that. You set out separate stacks of acorn cards, organized by color. Then you goal cards, showing specific colors or any color or the option of stealing someone else's card. Whoever slaps the appropriate stack gets a card and a point.

It is still a really simple game but I think it does a good job introducing pattern recognition and reaction time as game mechanics. It isn't a challenging game but it gives our toddler the experience and tools to play more challenging games in the future.

While there are some kids games that are interesting and even challenging for adults as well, I can't say that for either of these games. I have a feeling that he will be bored with them in a couple years at the longest. But for now, they are good for him.