How Family Game Nights Can Bring Parents and Children Closer
Modern family life is busy. Between school, work, chores, activities, and errands, parents and children may not have many opportunities to spend quality time together. A family game night can help fill that need. Not only can a family game provide an opportunity for fun, it can also teach children social and thinking skills while spending quality time with the people they love.
Choose a Game That Works for Everyone
The most fun family game is not necessarily the most complex or educational one. It should be appropriate for the ages of the children (or the age of the youngest child) and simple enough to understand.
Younger children may enjoy games that have matching, simple board games, picture games, or simply counting activities. Older children may enjoy word games, or games that require more strategy or planning.
The point is to find a game that the whole family can enjoy.
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Ask the Kids What They Want To Play
Children are more likely to become excited about a family game night if they have a say in which game is played.
Parents can take turns letting different family members pick the game that will be played one weekend or one night of the week.
This lets children feel responsible for making sure everyone in the family enjoys the game night, and introduces kids to types of games they might not otherwise choose.
Let Games Teach Kids About Taking Turns
For younger children, waiting to take your turn can be torturous. Family game nights can be a great opportunity to teach children patience. Children can learn that other players need to take their turn as well, and that it is unfair to rush them to take their turn. Parents can help remind children about being patient, without making it sound like a lecture.
Simple reminders like, ‘Let’s see what happens on your next turn,’ can help remind children about being patient.
Winning Is Not The Most Important Part
Some children get very upset when they lose or when they don’t win. Family game nights can serve as a reminder to children that losing is not always a bad thing.
Parents can help show children that it is important to congratulate the winner, and not focus too much attention on mistakes or losses. Praise for good sportsmanship and good strategies can help reinforce this message.
Many Games Encourage Communication
Many games require children and parents to explain, ask questions, make suggestions, or make comments about what has happened or what has occurred during the game. These can act as an opportunity for communication between children and parents, or between siblings. Children and parents can comment about moves they have made or have seen others make, and can discuss how certain rules or strategies have worked out for different players.
Have Fun With Your Imagination
Family game nights do not always have to be spent playing commercially produced games. Families can make up their own games. Many games can be created using paper and art supplies, or with construction toys like Legos.
Kids can make up a treasure hunt, create their own quiz, or make up a game based on their own rules and guidelines.
Allowing kids to participate in creating a game can be even more exciting for them, since they will not only be playing the game, but creating it as well.
Don’t Rush The Game
Family game nights don’t need to always last for hours. A game or two can last 20 or even 30 minutes, depending on the ages of the children. If children get tired or frustrated, families can put the game aside and try again another day. Letting children take a break for a while can help them reset, and have a more positive experience overall. This is especially important since the point of a family game night is to have a good time and spend quality time together.
Put Television And Phones Away For A While
Families do not have to stop using technology altogether to have a great family game night. However, limiting access to cell phones and televisions can help ensure everyone is able to have a good time. Parents can put a good example by not paying too much attention to their cell phones or to television shows. For children, seeing their parents engage in a family game night can help remind children that spending time with their family is important.
Set Up A Simple Tradition
A family game night does not need to happen every week in order to be meaningful.
Some families may want to try game nights on Friday evenings. Some may want to set aside a weekend afternoon or a weekday evening.
Consistency is important, but it can also depend on what works best for the family. Over time, a simple family game night can turn into one of the most cherished traditions that a family shares. Even as children get older, a great game night can be one of their most treasured memories.
The Benefits Of Family Games Extend Beyond Teaching Skills
Family games can certainly help teach patience, communication, and problem solving skills. However, the most valuable benefit of a family game night may simply be the chance for quality time with parents or other loved ones. Parents do not need to plan elaborate outings to share quality time with their children. Sometimes a simple game night can be enough. A family game night can provide parents and children with the opportunity to sit around a table and get to know each other, laugh together and compete against each other. In a busy family life, it can be important to carve out those special moments that can bring a family together, just like a simple family game night can.
Author’s Bio:
Bilal Khan is a writer interested in children’s development, parenting, family activities, and educational play. He enjoys creating practical and engaging content that helps families make everyday moments more meaningful.