by Raquel Arnold

Created on: April 28, 2009   Last Updated: May 01, 2009

Family Game night is a tradition that many of my friend's families are determined to uphold - much to their chagrin.

"Can you imagine sitting around with your parents and siblings on a Friday night, playing stupid board games like Yahtzee and Monopoly, when you could be out having fun? Lame."

Although I laugh, internally my feelings on the subject are quite the contrary. Sure, my parents and siblings got together occasionally to watch a movie once in a blue moon, or to play a board game, but there was never a planned Game night. Because those memorable and fun times only happened every so often, I did cherish them. But it makes me wonder: Would our communication as a family flourish instead of hitting rough patches, if we regularly participated in Family Game Night?

Thinking about those pleasant times, my question practically answers itself.

While game night is not a staple in the lives of many families, it should be. As a child I felt that discrepancies I had with my family or siblings were not wiped clean, so to speak, but they were easier to address after playing 'Life' for hours or watching a family-friendly movie. The irritation and resistance to talk about our misunderstandings were at a minimum because our time spent doing something fun together eased those feelings. It also made me feel like I was an integral part of the family unit, and things would not be the same without me.

A little effort on my parents' part went a long way for my siblings and I, so I highly recommend other families join in on this entertaining and beneficial ritual.

Here are some tips/pointers that could make your game night fun for children of varying ages.

Younger Children (ages 0 to 5): Hands-on games are good for younger children. Building blocks or puzzles are a great way for children to understand how a foundation of a family is built; the structure or picture would not be complete if they were not there with the rest of the family. It shows them how they are needed and appreciated, in a very simplistic and fun way.

Kids (Ages 6-10): While the standard for most kids of these ages are board games, watching a family-oriented movie is also a good idea. The visual of a family who, although they have ups and downs, still prevail is the easiest and most effective way to help them understand, all while keeping them entertained.

Tweens and teens (11-17): While this may be the hardest age group yet to please, there are still many ways to make family game night fun for pre-teens and teenagers. In lieu of activities that have the underlying message of a tight-knit family, perhaps a night of playing video games, such as Rock Band or Dance Dance Revolution would do the trick. And as far as letting your tween or teen know just how much they mean to the family? Well, just tell them. A chat before, during, or after the festivities would be perfect.

While I don't have children of my own yet, I fully intend to do what my family didn't on a weekly basis: have family game night.

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