Dinner is almost cleaned up. It is a rare Friday evening with no plans. There is no practice or concert to attend. There is a sense of calm as you look out in your house to see your family just resting after a long week. You are eager to try that new game with your family that you purchased earlier in the week. The dinner table is now clear to create the space you need to open up the new game. One of your kids asks if they can read the instructions and inform us how to play. You say with a smile, go for it. These are the nights you long for as a parent. It is just quality time with your spouse and kids.
Family Game Night
After a few times going over the rules to make sure everyone gets it, the room is filled with smiles, laughter and memories. You might be playing the game as it is instructed or you might have created your own rules to the game. That doesn’t matter. What matters is that you are just taking time to create those mental souvenirs that you will all look back on before your kids leave the nest. There are moments where your kids surprise you and share a cool story about their week or where they would love to go on a family vacation.
You have conversations that are not forced or rushed. The game that is in the middle of the table is a catalyst to these moments. Time stands still as well escapes into the night as you look at the clock and you can’t fathom that two hours have already passed. You look at your spouse to see if you play one more game or tell the kids to march on up to get ready for bed.
Games, Laughs & Memories
This year has seen a few milestones in my family. From high school graduations to securing that drivers license, my wife and I are blessed to see the many things our daughters have accomplished over the years. I am proud to say that we have a strong family bond. It wasn’t something that was easy to create. As parents you need to be an involved parent. You have to choose to spend time with your kids. One way to do that is by playing games with your family. Make family game night an event that the whole family looks forward to each week.
For new parents reading this, I can’t stress this enough. Family game night is so important. Beyond the fun and laughter that is created from that board game, there is so much more that comes from these nights. Conversations are had that might not have taken place if not for family game night. There is also the creation of a strong family connection. This is done by creating a fun and safe space for your kids to…well just be kids.
So if you are looking to start this tradition in your home I would suggest you check out SimplyFun’s website. SimplyFun has games for all ages that combine fun and education. You will see so many options that each family member can pick out one they would want to try for family game night. Time moves by so fast. Make sure you slow down and have those game nights with the ones you call family!
Please note: I am working with SimplyFun on a sponsored campaign. I am receiving payment for my work, but my thoughts are my own.