Family games night
Here's a way to save energy and have fun at the same time. Dedicate one night of the week to family games night and gather the entire family together for a home-cooked meal and an evening away from the television, PC, Playstation or cellphone.
With family schedules full to the brim, it can often be challenging to find quality time to spend together. One way to create a night of fun without distractions is by planning a family game night. Here's how to get started:
Schedule a date and time
The best time to play is after dinner. If it's a school or work night, agree that homework and assignments will be finished so you can focus on the fun. Create a family tradition by serving a family favourite dinner before the game and perhaps a 30-minute bedtime extension.
Build excitement with lunchbox invitations
Turn game night into a special event by making an invitation for each family member. Simply fold a piece of paper into a card and write "Are you game?" on the cover along with the date and time of your game night inside. Place the note into lunchboxes for kids to discover.
Pick a game that's new to your family
It may be the next family favourite! Be sure to designate one person as "Game Captain." That person will review the rules prior to game play and present them to each of the players at the start of the night. Remember it's all about having fun so keep a family scoreboard from week to week and honour the week's winner with a family crown, or by posting their name on the refrigerator.
Create a comfortable atmosphere and eliminate distractions - Why not play in your
pajamas? Feeling comfortable boosts the enjoyment factor. Also be sure to turn off cell phones, televisions and other distracting devices during the event.
Family game night is a fun and interactive way to encourage your kids to turn off the television and spend quality time together as a family.
A regular family game night creates memories for you and your family like no other activity. It's not about the game; it's about enriching your life with the people around you.
