by Jennifer Hill

Created on: June 03, 2009

In the olden days, a family unit meant that the family was a closely knit, loving group of people that shared common genetics. Members of the family ate together, worked together, and played together. They relied on each other, and supported each other. If one member of the family was going through hard times, the entire family banded together to help. In today's society however, families are busy and often do not spend a lot of time together. Children have sports, extra-curricular activities, friends to visit. Parents work, run carpools and have their friends to visit. How do we get the family unit back to where it meant something to be part of a family?

One way to get the family unit back is to implement a family game night. Games teach all sorts of great skills to bring the family back together including team work, good sportsmanship, logic and social skills. Playing games with your family also nurtures the close relationships that family members should have.

The huge variety of games available on the market today makes it easy to find something that all members of your family will enjoy. Some games are played in teams, others as individuals. Choosing a game played in teams not only brings your family closer by learning how to work together, it also encourages healthy competitiveness. Children need to learn the positive aspects of competitiveness to help them be successful as adults.

Children learn good sportsmanship by playing games with their family. It's very important for children to know that winning is not everything, and how to lose gracefully. One of the biggest lessons that can be learned from a family game night is that as long as you try your best, that's all that counts. Learning begins at home, and this is why family game nights are so important. Social skills that will be needed later in life are learned through fun and good-natured competition with people they love and trust.

Games teach children how to think logically. Many games require players to think ahead; if I make this move, then this action will happen. As we all know, logic is a much needed skill in the "real world". Learning logic skills through fun and games in a fun, loving environment will prepare children for their lifelong journey through life.

A family should be close; family members should always be there for each other with a hand to help or a shoulder to cry on, and to love and support each other. Holding a regularly scheduled family game night helps bridge gaps and fosters the close relationships missing from too many families today.

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