Families are busy these days. We can get so wrapped up in work, running our children to their activities, social media, and feeling like we have to accommodate fitting friends and family into our schedules. Sometimes, we feel like we aren’t spending quality time with our children even though they are right by our side. When we start to feel disconnected from the ones we love most, we have to go back to the basics. A good family game night is a perfect solution for many reasons.
Why family game night?
It keeps your family bonding at home, where you can be loud and laugh without the worry of disturbing others around you. It allows you to make foods and snacks that all your children will eat because we all know they don’t eat the same things. Another benefit is for families with children with wide age gaps; this allows you to play games that all children can enjoy together. When children spend time with their family, they feel better connected and loved. This gives them a better sense of feeling safe. Not only are you creating a fun memory with them, but as they get older, they will feel more comfortable communicating with you on those more uncomfortable topics. So, family game night may seem like loads of fun to the kids, but you are secretly using it as a communication tool between you and your children.
How to start a family game night?
I would recommend trying game night once a month as you don’t want it to feel like an obligation but more like a treat.
Pick a night when the children can stay up later than usual as such a Friday or Saturday night.
Pick games that work well for all age groups, such as Pick Up Sticks, Dominos, Pictionary, Uno, puzzles, or a new favorite, Uzzle. When you notice a child is getting bored of one game, you can move on to the next.
To make it extra special, you could come up with a theme for each month and dress up for the theme, pick out movies to play in the background, and make theme-appropriate food.
The point is to make time for family and make it special without having to spend a lot of money. Be creative and get your children involved in the planning so everyone can feel included in the ideas.
