by Jo Ann Wentzel

Created on: October 04, 2009   Last Updated: October 05, 2009

With colder weather approaching and longer evenings inside with the kids, families may be trying to find ways to connect better with their children. Establishing a family game night should be something you consider.

I can hear you now, my kids won't be interested. Teens have their own activities and don't want to participate in family activities. Well, that may all be true, but reconsider for a moment before dismissing the idea.

The goals of most families are to provide a safe and pleasant environment for their children, show them they love them and want to care for them, and help them grow to adulthood in the easiest way possible. These are all factors that are included in a family game night.

A happy, family home is something to be prized by everyone. If you do not believe this fact, ask anyone who has never had one. Pleasant surroundings add to the value of our life. Kids need to have interesting and fun ways to spend time at home. Teens feel they do not need family, but with all the changes their age goes through, they need it most of all.

Spending time with your kids is valuable for both parents and children. It shows them you really like them and you care about their happiness. Studies have proven that those parents who interact with their children more and do things with them have better luck producing happy kids. These same kids stay out of criminal trouble. They are taught values such as caring about others and they learn consideration.

Growing to adulthood requires many life skills. Playing games adds to your repertoire of those skills. You learn to take turns, be fair, and a bit of patience. Some board games help you with money management. Other games show kids the benefit of a good vocabulary. Still others like strategy games teach your kids how to reason and think for themselves. I'm always amazed at the insight that is shown when kids play games.

First of all you need to announce that you would love to spend more time with your children in a fun way while they are at home. Explain that when they grow up and move far away, you will not all be able to spend as much time together. When they have their own families, you will see less of them as is proper. So, while you are all together at home, you would like to initiate a game night.

Chances are teens will balk at this idea and complain. Try to get them to agree voluntarily, but at any rate start this activity. You are the parents and you have to be in charge. Consider this a life skill's class and show them the games they learn as kids will serve them well for the rest of their lives. It really is that important even if you must force the issue. Like eating meals together, sharing leisure time with your kids is one way of connecting and bonding.

When you start, you should take into consideration all ages of family members. Try to suggest games that anyone can play. Eventually, each family member should get a chance to pick the game.

Aim for a two hour session which means homework must be done first, any work you bring home from the office must be put away for a time, and the TV must be turned off. Eventually, you probably should include cell phones or you may never get started.

After a time, you can expand game night to include puzzles, even occasionally video games if you wish. You could also add craft or art or hobby projects. You might have a music night where each member shares one of their favorite CD's or you have a sing along. You could add dancing and each member show a few steps of a dance they know. Be creative. Use your imagination, but just start it since it will benefit the whole family.

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