How to Have Fun Bowling with Your Kids

Bowling can be a most enjoyable family activity, but it can also be frustrating and miserable for kids. Tossing gutter ball after gutter ball is not their idea of having fun and their moaning and groaning can unnerve the adult as he tries to throw a good game. Minimizing the misery is a key to creating a positive experience for one and all.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Bowling alley
• Bowling balls
• Bowling shoes
• Patience
• Good nature

1. Maintain a light-hearted approach from the start. Foster an atmosphere in which the kids understand that their performance doesn't matter.
2. Make only friendly and occasional suggestions to the kids as to how they can improve.
3. Refrain from harping on what the kids must do to get better. If their poor skills are causing them heartache, remind them that it's all for fun. Nicely provide pointers about holding the ball, approaching the line and releasing the ball.
4. Avoid playing one child against the other. Siblings are often overly competitive. Don't allow any child to denigrate another for a comparatively low score.
5. Buy food and snacks for the kids. They will then associate bowling with a fun experience and it will be easier to get them out to the alleys next time.
6. Take them cosmic bowling. The music, as well as the lighted alleys in contrast to the darkened atmosphere, are a sure hit.

Tips & Warnings

• Allow the smaller children to hold the ball without placing their fingers in the holes. They can learn the right method later. For now, even the lightest balls might be too heavy for them to hold with three fingers.
• Don't leave any child behind in the praise department. One who throws gutter balls consistently should be commended for knocking down a pin or two.