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Family game night, or FGN, is a perfect solution to two problems plaguing parents today.

Problem number one is that families don't seem to spend as much time together as they'd like to. Busy parents have trouble scheduling quality time with the kids. Kids crave parental attention.

Problem number two is that family entertainment can be very expensive. Even a night out at the local multiplex theater can take a big chunk out of your budget. FGN can save you money.

FGN can be easily squeezed in between dinner and bedtime. Pop some popcorn, sit down with the kids and have some fun.

Here are some tips for a successful FGN:

There are a lot of great games out there to choose from. Check out the selection. The old classics are still available, as well as some brand new ones from the smaller games companies. Most online game stores have a product review section or customer review section on their sites so you can do some research before shelling out the bucks.

Do check the number of players, average playing time and age recommendations on the product. All games include this information on the side of the box and it will be stated in the product information section online. Be aware that age recommendations are not set in stone. If your child is mathematically gifted, then she can certainly play a game above her age level. Likewise, if your child has a reading problem, then a game that requires a lot of reading should be geared for someone younger than he is.

If you don't like the rules, change them! Do you like Monopoly, but find the game takes way too much time? Pass out all the properties at the beginning of the game to get things rolling faster or set a timer and count up the money when the bell rings. When you change a rule, make sure all the players know about it and agree to it before beginning to play.

Games provide a way for your child to learn to win and lose gracefully. There is a lot of winning and losing in life, so you might as well learn early how to do both well. If your child has particular trouble in this area, you don't need to give up on games. There are plenty of cooperative games, which pit all the players against the game itself instead of against each other. That way, you all win or lose together, which may help a child, in that she isn't alone. It's a good opportunity for you to model good game behavior. "Yay! We are such a good team!" or "Oh, well, better luck for us next time."

If you have many children or children whose ages are widely spaced, it can be hard to find a game for all of you. Children who are too young to play can be partnered with Mom or Dad. If yours is a big family, you can always play two games, instead of trying to find a game for all of you.

Games can help improve math and reading skills. Playing strategy games trains a child's logical thinking and reasoning skills. Games are not just fun, they are learning opportunities for school and social life skills.

Some of the newer card games take very little time to play. They are suitable for younger children. They are also suitable for throwing into your purse to have available the next time you are waiting in the dentist's office and the kids are getting restless.

Family game night is a great addition to your family's traditions.

Learn more about this author, Liza Cameron Wasser.
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