Games have always been a part of my family. Every holiday or large family gathering, you can find us huddled around the table playing cards or any number of board games. It’s always fun to see what new games people have found throughout the year, but we always have our favorites that get played over and over again.
My kids have fallen in love with games too! And since we are such a game loving family, I have made it necessary to keep our game cabinet (that is filled to the max!) in the central part of our home… the family room!
To be honest, I wish my sweet family of 5 played more games together, but life is busy with kids aged 5, 3, and 4 weeks. We have nap times, time outs, and school that are all pulling us in different directions during the day. Now that summer is here, I’m changing our family dynamic by creating a family game night each week. Yes, it sounds simple. But how often do other things get in the way? Or how often do we get too tired by the time the dinner dishes are put away? I’m more than guilty. On my calendar, I’ve gone through and picked one night a week that is now sacred to our family. By writing it on the calendar, just like I would a doctor’s appointment or swim lessons, it becomes a priority and suddenly doesn’t get overlooked.
Why I think playing games as a family are important:
1. Games teach us to take turns and be patient. Not an easy task to teach a toddler. Playing a game makes it more fun!
2. We get to become each other’s cheerleader. My girls get to celebrate when other family members win. This isn’t the case every time…. we definitely have plenty of moments when a sore loser can be seen throwing a fit. Games give us the chance to help teach our children to rejoice with others.
3. Games give us the opportunity to bond. We all relax and find that it’s easier to open up and have fun. There is nothing better than giggling, telling stories about our day, and creating long lasting memories.
What games are we loving these days?
This classic game is wonderful to play because it is easily adaptable for kids of all ages. My 5 year old daughter will play with most of the game pieces, while my 3 year old daughter will play with a much smaller number. What does my 5 year old have to say about this game? “It’s fun. It’s magical. It’s fun to create lots of matches.”
Candyland is one game that my girls ask to play most frequently. I love that it teaches colors and counting. What does my 5 year old have to say about this game? “I like the candy castle and it’s exciting to draw the cards to see where I go next.”
This game screams creativity and is a sure fire way to create lots of giggles. As you draw the cards out of each box, a story is created…. it can be silly or serious. What does my 5 year old have to say about this game? “I like getting to make up stories. I try to make them funny!”
This game is great for younger kids. Roll the cube, draw a card, and do what it says. I love that it teaches color recognition and encourages movement. What does my 5 year old have to say about this game? “I like to act things out and throw the ball!”
This game encourages focus and alphabet recognition. Since my girls are at different levels of knowing their alphabet, this game is easily adaptable for both ages. What does my 5 year old have to say about this game? “It’s like looking for hidden treasures!”
