The Family that Plays (Games) Together, Stays Together
Depending on how old your children are, you’re either going to
get a response of “Yippee” or one of “That is so stupid,
I don’t
want to play” when you announce the inception of game night in
your house. Make it non-optional, but make it fun! It will be
worthwhile and will create a bond you would have never imagined.
Plan aside one night a week where everyone will be home. If you
don’t have one night where everyone will be there, you have a
bigger issue and you need to juggle some things around so you
have at the very least one night where the entire family is
home.
Providing Mom or Dad’s back and knees can handle it, set up a
blanket on the floor. This needs to be fun, not something the
kids dread. Set up themes to play a game. Perhaps choose a
Hawaiian theme. Have pineapples and things like that, everyone
wears leis. Hey, even Sponge Bob lives in a pineapple under the
sea!
Ok, so back to the theme. Each person needs to bring to the
blanket an idea about the theme. For example, each person could
talk about what they know or ask any questions they may have
about Hawaii. (Or Sponge Bob trivia!)
The game itself doesn’t necessarily have to relate to the theme;
just the atmosphere and conversation. You could be playing
Yatzee, Life, Clue, Sorry, Chutes and Ladders, Don’t Spill the
Beans, Uno, Texas Hold ‘Em, it doesn’t matter which game you’re
playing. You could incorporate your theme into various intervals
throughout the game. Every time someone lands on a yellow square
everyone must take a bite of pineapple. Spin a ten and all must
eat a macadamia nut! If you select the Go to Jail card, it’s
your turn to do the Hula!
At the end of each game night, talk about next week’s theme.
Family members can take turns choosing the theme and the
accompanying snacks and décor. If it’s too much for one person
to
coordinate or if children are younger, these tasks can be
delegated. Your three year old can decide she wants a clown
theme complete with balloons and everyone will wear clown
make-up. Your 7th grader made opt for an art theme and paint or
draw the decorations.
This doesn’t have to be an expensive night at all. You can pick
up new games at thrift stores and garage sales for $1.00. Most
decorations you may already have around the house or can be
picked up at the same places you’re getting second hand games or
even the dollar store. Make it fun. Your children won’t remember
and thank you for all the hours you put in a work, but they will
always cherish the family time together. The family that plays
together stays together. donot copy article
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