Game Night

There can be a fine line between a fun activity the family looks forward to and an obligation that defeats the purpose.  Games nights have become the rage among people of all ages and family game night is a natural extension of the game craze. But the key to making game night a family tradition instead of a failed attempt to bond is keeping it fresh and voluntary. If you do the same thing on the same night every week, it will soon become boring.

Games come in many forms. There are video games, card games, board games, puzzles, and outdoor games. Everyone has their favorite game, most likely because they are good at it, so don’t let one family member dictate game night. One solution is to let each family member takes turns deciding what game or games will be played. Another solution is to write down all the different games available on small pieces of paper and put them in a bowl. Whatever game or games get picked get played that night.

Games don’t have to be played at home. Once a month have a game night out. For example, go bowling or go to a billiards place and play pool. When the weather is good, miniature golf is a fun way to spend an evening.

Setting up a family championship – complete with “prizes” – can add excitement. For example, if your family plays Scrabble keep track of the scores and the first person to hit 2000 points wins. But it’s important to make sure that the games and contests are fun for everyone. If you have younger children, make sure to include games they can win like Hi Ho Cheery-O or Chutes and Ladders. On more advanced game, play teams. You don’t want little ones to get discouraged. Classic games like Charades or Pictionary can level the playing field so everyone feels involved.

Every now and then invite another family over for game night and challenge them for Guitar Hero supremacy or see who knows their family best by playing Apples to Apples. Having Team Jones challenge Team Smith is a great way to increase camaraderie within a family while having fun with friends. Or mix it up and have the kids challenge the parents or the men and boys challenge the women and girls. The idea is to have a fun, shared experience that brings everyone closer together. Regardless of how the game ends, the family is the winner.