Family game night is a tradition that is making a comeback. Libraries, schools and churches hold family game nights to bring families together for fun in a safe environment, and many families hold regularly scheduled game nights to counteract busy schedules that leave little time for families to be together. Family game nights allow for family bonding, time to for younger children to learn valuable social and cognitive skills, and a chance for everyone to relax and have fun. With a creative plan, you can start a family game night tradition that can last many generations.
Step 1
Invite your family to a family meeting to discuss your idea. Ask everyone to help develop the plan for family nights and for launching the first family night. Take notes at the meeting and write down all of the ideas so the family can review them later and make decisions together.
Step 2
Make a list of games the family can play: board games, card games, computer games, outdoor games and group games. Decide if other family and friends are welcome to participate. Add plans for refreshments, how many times each month you will have family night, the day and time of the event and whether attendance is mandatory for all family members.
Step 3
Make a list of game night rules, such as no television and no telephones. Agree on what happens if game night has to be canceled of if a family member has a conflict in his schedule. Encourage family members to take game night seriously as a commitment to one another.
Step 4
Assign each family member a task to make the event a success, such as gathering the games, preparing refreshments and collecting other materials. Choose a date and time for your first family game night event and have the family agree on the games for that night. Prepare for an informal but festive event and make room for everyone to get comfortable.
Step 5
Take photographs at the first family game night. At the end of the evening, discuss the games you will play at the next game night. Consider all suggestions. Teach the children the games you played as a child and allow them to teach you how to play their video games.
Step 6
Stick to the schedule the family chose for family game night. Mix it up a little and switch to outdoor games or even bowling every now and then. Encourage everyone to be open to new experiences and don't forget the group games like charades. The important thing is for the family to have fun together.
Things You'll Need
- Board games
- Card games
- Paper
- Pencils
- Snacks
- Beverages
