Sign in Subscribe
Attachment Play

Co-operative games

Co-operative games

Building trust and togetherness through shared goals

Family life can often feel like a competition - who gets the last biscuit, who gets to pick the bedtime story. But cooperative games shift the focus from winning or losing to working together. These games foster a sense of connection, trust, and teamwork, helping your child feel valued as part of a group.

Materials needed

  • Building blocks, puzzles, or cooperative board games (e.g., Race to the Treasure by Peaceable Kingdom).
  • Space to sit together and engage in the activity.

Instructions

  1. Choose a cooperative activity. Select a task where the goal is shared, such as building a block tower or completing a puzzle together.
  2. Set the tone. Emphasise teamwork by saying, “Let’s work together to see how tall we can make this tower!”
  3. Take turns. Involve your child by letting her take the lead or suggesting what piece to add next.
  4. Celebrate successes together. When the goal is achieved, share in the joy and praise her contributions, saying, “We did it together!”

Tips

  • Model collaboration. Show your child how to share ideas and work through challenges together.
  • Stay patient. Focus on the process rather than the outcome, and let her contribute at her own pace.
  • Use age-appropriate tasks. Ensure the activity matches her abilities to avoid frustration.

Expected outcome

  • Sense of belonging. Cooperative play reinforces your child’s role as a valued member of the group.
  • Improved teamwork. She learns how to collaborate, share, and problem-solve with others.
  • Positive emotional connection. Shared successes strengthen your bond.

Why this works

Cooperative games create a safe space where your child can experience the joy of working together rather than competing. This helps her build trust, develop communication skills, and understand the value of teamwork. By achieving shared goals, she gains confidence in her ability to contribute meaningfully.

Final word

Cooperative games transform family time into an opportunity for connection and growth. By working together towards shared goals, you teach your child the importance of collaboration and trust. Give one of these activities a try and let me know how it works for you in the comments below.

Read the rest of the attachment play tools:

Read next

Comments ()