Family Activities

Start a Tradition: Family Game Night

Why is family games are important? Family game night is a great way to provide fun filled ways to spend quality time together. It’s inexpensive and is a load of fun for everyone. Family games will challenge your memory, require us to make choices and problem solve as you play. Playing games will challenge each individual and help develop strategic thinking. Through the playing of games we all learn patience, teamwork, honesty, cooperation, and perseverance. We also learn about healthy competition and good sportsmanship. I remember back at the hours of “play time” with my brothers and sisters – these became life long memories plus just admit it – it’s great old-fashioned fun!

How to Start Family Game Night

Starting a family tradition takes some juggling of work schedules, school activities, sports, band... lots of time being committed. Creating daily routines and scheduling family time events into the family calendar is one way of making time and making fun experiences.

Start with setting a consistent day and time aside 1 to 1 1/2 hours, once a week or once a month - which ever works for your. Example: Thursday between 7-8:30pm. or First Thursday 6-7:30
Declare No Interruptions or distractions - that means turn off the TV, cell phone, computer, etc.
Select a game that everyone will enjoy
Each week, assign a family member to be "in charge" of the game night, they pick the snack and the game...
No matter what game is selected - NO complaining allowed..if it's Pretty Pretty Princess, so be it. Game night is, after all, a lesson in sportsmanship and cooperation.

Tips for Successful Game Nights

Before starting a new game, read the directions in advance. For more complex games, review the rules before starting each time. This will help to avoid confusion and frustration.
Prior to starting, talk about what is "good game behavior" and what is expected of all participants.
Choose age appropriate games so all can play. If there is a wide range in ages, team younger players up with older ones.
Create the practice of congratulating the winner with a hand shake and simple "congratulations". Avoid "rubbing it in"
Be conscious of competitiveness and create strategies and rules for dealing with it during the family game. Avoid ganging up on an individual to prevent hurt feelings.

Make it fun, enjoy the time spent together, and honor every member of the household.

Get some great suggestions for age appropriate games to play on your family game nite

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