Although collecting Pokémon cards may seem like a superficial, childish hobby, the actual game they include can be an incredible help in teaching children vital life skills. Learning to play Pokémon cards requires discipline and perseverance in order to learn and master, and by nature, the Pokémon Trading Card Game is a social endeavor.

How exactly do Pokémon cards teach children to master these traits? Let me explain:

Going through the rule book and learning how to play the game requires a fair amount of determination. The game is quite simple, but it contains its fair share of complexities. A child really needs to focus his energy to learn everything there is to know. It can be frustrating at times, but with an eye on the prize, any child can do it.

Just learning how to play Pokémon cards is a monumental achievement for any child. It shows them that they can learn anything on their own if they put their minds to it. I personally know that playing the Pokémon TCG has helped me prove to myself that I can achieve anything I want; it’s just a matter of determination.

As I mentioned earlier, Pokémon TCG is somewhat simple to learn, but it’s almost impossible to master. It takes a considerable amount of perseverance to get good at the game. However, this lesson in persistence in learning is veiled by the activity of playing Pokémon cards. It is a beautiful event because the children are learning a difficult life skill while having fun at the same time.

Finally, the Pokémon trading card game is social in nature. The game requires two players to play and work together. The game teaches children cooperation and teamwork, which are vital skills that any child should learn at an early age.

The next time you see a Pokémon card, realize that it’s not just a youth game, but an aid in teaching kids how to master traits they’ll use for the rest of their lives.