Why Miniatures Gaming Is A Great Hobby For Kids

You've been wargaming for years and now it's time to bring the next generation into the fold, or maybe your kids have discovered the local game store (LGS) on their own. What next? Is miniatures gaming a suitable hobby for kids?

For some, it's a no brainer. For others, you look through the new Codex Demons for Warhammer or the death-natured Cryx miniatures for Warmachine and start to have second thoughts. Fear not! Miniatures are absolutely a great hobby for kids, with the appropriate parental monitoring and supervision. As a long-time gamer and father of 5-year old twin boys who are getting introduced to the hobby, let me share my thoughts why:

Wargames for kids - oh yes! Because by letting them play warGAMES you positively encourage the skills and attitudes that lend themselves beautifully to peace. -- thechaplain, Librarium Online forums

Who is this article for?

Anyone who is involved in getting the next generation of gamers into the hobby. You may be the parent, an older brother (or sister), uncle, or even a family friend. You might be the game store regular who happens to be the first person the mother of the prospective gamer meets. In any case, it's always good to have a well thought out position on why table top gaming is absolutely a good thing for the kids in question.

A Quick Note

When I first wrote this article, it was a way to capture some thoughts I had tumbling around inside my head, which resulted from my kids wanting to play miniatures with me. To validate my thoughts, I asked for comments and feedback in a number of on-line forums to which I contribute. I was unprepared for the response. People started to share their experiences about teaching kids, siblings, spouses, and even parents how to paint miniatures and play. They related all the things they were able to share and what it meant to them. It was pretty awesome, the kind of thing that makes you feel all warm inside.

Enough of the intro, you probably want to read the rest of the article.

Part 2: What do kids get out of tabletop gaming?
Part 3: How do I get get kids started with miniatures gaming?