If your home is anything like mine, it's not always easy. Having children close in age means several players still in the egocentric stage of their development. They haven't yet learnt to co-operate or realise that if they 'cheat' the other players will give up, ending the game.
That's one of the reasons board games are hard to play with a three-year-old.
What has worked for us in the 100 Toys house is non-competitive games like those by Peaceable Kingdom. The players collaborate to win (I recommend Race to the Treasure) meaning there are no losers – an important consideration if you want your children to view the experience positively.
Ultimately, any game will do. What's important is to introduce the idea of taking turns, playing fairly, being a magnanimous winner and a gracious loser.
You won't get all of this from a preschooler. It's a long road, but you'll get there in the end.
