More Than Just a Night of Fun

TVs, tablets, video games, and cell phones. There are more ways than ever for everyone in the family to be entertained, often without ever being in the same room.

But remember family game night?

Everyone gathered around the table. Someone was probably taking the game way too seriously. Someone else was definitely trying to bend the rules. There was laughing, talking, teasing, problem-solving, and maybe a little arguing over who really won.

Turns out, all that fun was doing more than creating good memories.

Family Time Matters

Spending time together as a family can play an important role in a child's emotional, social, and cognitive development. Regular family interaction can help children feel secure, supported, loved, and connected to the people around them. Family Game Night Handout

And family time doesn't have to be complicated.

It can be as simple as clearing off the kitchen table, pulling out a deck of cards or a favorite board game, and spending an hour together.

Games Give Kids a Chance to Learn

Family games aren't just entertainment. Research cited in the Family Game Night handout connects playing games together with better family communication and a greater sense of togetherness. Games can also give children opportunities to practice skills such as mathematical reasoning and reading. Family Game Night Handout

Think about everything happening during an ordinary game.

Kids are counting spaces, reading instructions, making decisions, solving problems, taking turns, communicating, and learning what to do when things don't go their way.

They're learning while they're having fun, often without realizing they're learning at all.

Winning Isn't Really the Point

Okay, winning is a little bit the point. Especially if you're the competitive one in the family.

But the bigger benefit is what happens around the game.

Children get to practice patience, teamwork, communication, emotional expression, social skills, and conflict resolution. They also get something that can be surprisingly hard to find in a busy week: undivided time with their family.

The Family Game Night handout highlights four simple benefits of playing games together: games can support motor skills, academic performance, problem-solving, and family bonding. Family Game Night Handout

Connection Can Be a Protective Factor

There is an even bigger reason to make family time a priority.

The SJCPAC Coalition has identified family attachment as one of the protective factors connected to Family Game Nights. Family Game Night Handout

Creating regular opportunities to talk, laugh, play, and spend time together helps build those family connections. The SHARP Survey gives us a closer look at family attachment among youth right here in San Juan County.

Strong family relationships give kids another place to feel safe, supported, and that they belong.

Creating regular opportunities to talk, laugh, play, and spend time together helps build relationships. Strong family relationships give kids another place to feel safe, supported, and that they belong.

So, Bring Back Family Game Night

It doesn't need to be Pinterest-worthy. You don't need expensive games, elaborate snacks, or a perfectly planned evening.

Grab a deck of cards. Pull an old board game out of the closet. Let the kids choose. Invite the grandparents over. Put the phones away for a little while.

Then play.

There may be arguments. Someone may accuse someone else of cheating. The youngest child may change the rules halfway through.

That's okay.

Family game night doesn't have to be fancy. It just has to bring you together.

Pick a game, gather your family around the table, put the phones away for a while, and play.

Because sometimes the simplest things we do together are the things that help keep families connected.