family fun night, family games, family time, things to do with your family, tips for fun family game night, game night

Tips for a fun family game night

Parenting experts say that playing games with your kids on a regular basis - ideally once a week - helps to bring families together and teaches children important skills, life skills, such as how to be a humble losers, or how to win graciously. Here are some suggestions on how to have a successful game night:

Let each family memeber choose a game to play. Choose at least one game that everyone can play regardless of age so the group doesn't have to be split up the entire night.

To get your kids excited about the game night, wrap upa new game and let them open it that evening.

Go over rules for behavior, such as staying friendly even if you losing, playing fair, and allowing rule changes only if everyone agrees.

Expect mistakes the first time a new game is played and consider playing a few practice rounds.

Offer non-greasy snacks like unbuttered popcorn, M&M's, and pretzels. Use snack tables to hold drinks to aviod spills that could damage the game board.

Invite other relatives or let your children include their friends.

Give the winners a small gift, say, a deck of cards or a book of crosswords puzzles, or let them choose the snacks or guests for the next game night.