Back to school means back to busy, so carving out time for family is important. One fun way to spend some time together without the added stress of trying to get everyone’s shoes on, packing snacks or looking for parking is to host a family game night.
Card Game
Consider the ages of your children when choosing a card game. Younger children might need simpler games like Uno, Crazy Eights or Go Fish. Older kids (11+) might be ready for something more complex like Poker, Spades or Hearts.
Board Game
To make sure your board game doesn’t become a bored game, implement a house rule or two to get things moving faster. If your family has trouble agreeing which board game
to play, have a vote and play the second favorite after the first.
Snacks
No game night is complete without snacks. Avoid greasy or messy snacks that could damage cards or pieces. If you do crave a messier snack, keep paper towels nearby to wipe down sticky fingers.
Music
Playing music in the background can add to the fun atmosphere of family game night. Just make sure it’s quiet enough to still leave room for conversation. When adjusting the volume, remember that kids and teens have more sensitive hearing. If your child is musically inclined, consider letting them pick the playlist, or have your children
take turns.
Scorepad
If playing for fun isn’t cutting it anymore, consider keeping score and adding prizes, such as: whoever wins Monopoly picks what’s for dinner tomorrow.
Cozy Spot
For games with a lot of pieces, you’ll want a table, but sitting at the table all night can be a bit stiff. Consider playing cards picnic-style on a blanket or enjoying games with movement in the family room.
Last Goes First Home Rule
One home rule that can help keep the peace between siblings when games get heated is to give the lower- or lowest-scoring child some agency in the next game. This could mean letting the child with the lower score go first or letting them pick the next game.
