Families
That Play Together Stay Together
By Sintilia Miecevole
Take a chance! When you tell the family that it's games night
at your home, the kids might think you've come unhinged, but make it
non-optional and make sure you make it fun! Take it from me, I've done it and it
works. Everyone joins in either as a player or a spectator when we played games
on XBox. The house is filled with laughter and cheering and it's nice to see
everyone having a good time. Playing games is ageless and there is virtually no
generation gap.
Plan for one night a week where everyone will be home. If you don't have one
night where everyone will be there, you need to juggle things around so you have
at the very least one night where the entire family is home.
Then there's board games to consider. You could play everything from
Monopoly to Snakes and Ladders depending upon the ages of the children. You
could set up themes to play a game for example a Hawaiian theme. Have pineapples
and things like that, everyone wears leis. Each person could talk about what
they know or as questions about Hawaii. Use your imagination. You know what your
family likes.
The game itself doesn't have to relate to the theme; just the atmosphere and
conversation. You could be playing Yatzee, Life, Clue, Sorry, Snakes and
Ladders, Don't Spill the Beans or Uno. It doesn't matter which game you're
playing. You could incorporate your theme into various intervals throughout the
game. Each time someone lands on a red 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 dance. Get the idea?
At the end of each game night, discuss 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 6th grader made opt for an
art theme and paint or draw the decorations.
If you want to keep it simple without the extras, that's okay too. You're
sure to be a hit with games and their favorite snacks. Everyone will want to
come back again and again.
This should be an inexpensive night. 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. Have fun!
About the Author: Sintilia Miecevole, Administrator of http://www.fnnygame.com
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