Get your game on

How to plan a game night…

First, pick the night and time and put it on the calendar. Then make sure you have games on hand (and/or order some new ones).  Be sure on the day to remind everyone, even as close as 30 minutes before.

“Select games that everyone will enjoy. Often this is difficult if there is a large age difference between your children. Parents or older siblings can team up with the little ones or you can create a variation of a more challenging game.” — Scholars Choice

Also, when planning game night, think about what snacks and drinks you want to have on hand. Here are some easy ones:

·      Popcorn

·      Pretzels

·      Homemade “trail mix”

·      Cut veggies and dip

And for drinks

·      Flavored water

·      Hot or iced tea

·      Hot cocoa

Unfortunately, in my family, there are some sore losers. I am convinced it is hereditary on my ex-husband’s side. Over the years, I have learned some tricks to avoid this without having to let the other person win. “Talk to your kid about why we win things: Sometimes it’s because of effort, sometimes it’s luck, and sometimes it’s both. Teach him catchphrases like, “It’s the luck of the draw” and “That’s the way the cookie crumbles,” so he doesn’t always take failure—and triumph—to heart. If your kid complains it’s not fair, fight the urge to reply, “Life’s not fair” and focus on her feelings instead. You could say, “I know you think it’s not fair. Are you angry (or sad) that you lost?” — Julie M. Green, Today’s Parent. Other ideas mention in the article are to practice losing, model good sportsmanship and allow for do overs.

Games nights aren’t the only family bonding activity. Movie nights are a good bonding activity. “Family movie night is a fun tradition that people of all ages can enjoy. It provides an opportunity for the whole family to spend time together while being introduced to new releases and classic movies.  It is a great way to gather around and relax after a hectic week. Snuggling up on the couch together to watch a movie is a great way to stay connected with your family. But it is not easy to choose the perfect film that everyone in the family can enjoy. Choosing a perfect family movie is difficult, especially if you have children of different ages with different interests. A kids' movie that has your 7-year-old child erupting in giggles can make your 12-year-old child's eyes roll…” Premiere Outdoor Movie According to the article some things to help you choose could be to select a series. Assign a family member to choose the movie, each for a different movie night, and/or base the movie on the season like Halloween, Christmas, etc. Key things to keep in mind is the age of your children, the duration of the movie, and bedtimes.

And you’ll want snacks too, so just refer to the list above. A great movie treat is kettle corn and you can make it right on the stove.

So whether it is a game night or movie night, make spending cold winter days inside a chance for bonding and fun.