So we live in a large, very game-oriented family, adults play cards & board games, kids play as kids do, but also some “actual” games, like uno cards, puzzles, or kickball.

My son is 6.5 and seems to get EXTREMELY overwhelmed/frustrated/etc if he doesn’t win immediately or if he doesn’t understand how to

follow the rules. (Usually both.) This typically results in a meltdown and has been very challenging to navigate. I’ve tried explaining that he doesn’t have to get so upset, that if he doesn’t understand, just listen to the rules more, and if he doesn’t win, it’s OKAY, it’s the game itself that’s fun. But none of this seems to stick or genuinely be processed no matter how I explain. My younger child seems to understand more than he does/not care even half as much. These meltdowns also happen when 6 yr old can’t master a skill right away (like hitting a ball volleyball-style, for example) he will flop down and cry and get mad almost immediately.

My husband also becomes frustrated way too quickly and usually wants to resort to some type of time out punishment for this type of behavior, which further ruins the fun, and I don’t feel that’s the appropriate approach either, but I have no other ideas on how to navigate this.

Is he just not quite mature enough for any types of games or skill building? Because almost 7 *seems* like the perfect age to be playing these games! He’s great on his bike and doing woodworking projects, and even yard work, so it seems like putting together a tricky puzzle or learning how kickball works shouldn’t be a world-ending situation!

Tips? Advice? I’m so frazzled with all of this …