Why We Love Family Nights

In the past, a family night was a time to share a special meal together, play board games, or just sit around the living room and share each other's company. They were one of the best ways for families to bond. Unfortunately, in this hustle bustle world we live in, some families do not share meals, kids are in and out for their own events or confined to computer games and parents are busy with bills, chores and errands. What happened? I say, let's reclaim family night and say NO to intrusions or exceptions. You'll see how a family night's ritual will give the kids (or grandkids) a feeling of security, self-esteem and self-confidence because the kids will feel that they belong to a special group; the family. Set up your own family night and try some of these ideas.

Start with a special meal --

Teach your kids to appreciate a formal meal once in a while. It's also good for teaching manners. Take cooking up a notch with something a little more elegant than the weekday's fare. If you have a dining room, use it. Even the kitchen can be turned into an elegant dinner with tablecloths, candlelight and some classical music. I know the kids are probably saying "Oh yuck" by this time, but trust me, they will learn to enjoy this change of pace. Try letting a family member plan the meal each week and involve the kids in the preparation and setting the table as much as possible. Lessons learned here!

For a variation, eat breakfast for dinner on family night. There is something deliciously cool about bringing out the waffle machine and maple syrup, not to mention it somewhat easier than a making a gourmet meal. Set out some fruit toppings, chopped nuts and coconut to add on top. Maybe even make it a PJ night along with some funny comic videos on the television screen.

Tell tales together --

Whether you are recapping the week or inventing a new story, use this time to talk. Kids are usually willing to offer events that happened to them that may have been lost in the everyday chaos. Parents can even talk about their work and new projects they may be working on. On a more creative note, try weaving stories. One person starts by describing a setting, then go along from person to person adding in characters and events. You can finish the story now or get to a cliffhanger, stop and continue the next family night with another member picking up the thread.

Pick a puzzle --

I must say my husband and kids were puzzle maniacs. I would buy the largest jigsaw puzzle I could find; set up the folding table in the family room and let them bond together. They would start with the borders, challenging each other on who could find the corner pieces. Of course, the puzzle wasn't completed in one night, but the kids couldn't wait until the next family night to work on their project together. I was strict, covering the work of art with a tablecloth until the next session, no cheating during the school nights.

Any card sharks in your family?

Whatever age your kids are, there is a card game that's age appropriate. Pick up a book like, 101 Best Family Card Games by Alfred Sheinwold or Card Games for Dummies by Barry Rigal, and learn some fun games to play on family night. From the traditional, Go Fish to playing poker with the tweens (using M & M's as betting money), there is card fun for everyone.

Source: personal experience

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