Family Fun Nights- The Family That Plays Together, Stays Together

Do you feel like your family is running helter skelter throughout the week? Barely connecting with each other? Does it seem like there is simply no time to enjoy each other? With the hectic schedule many families have today that can often be the norm rather than the exception. But hang in there; a family fun night could be just the answer you need.

Family fun nights are wonderful ways for families to connect. Everyone needs an oasis from daily life, especially our children. They need us to spend time with them, to laugh, play and affirm how much we love them. Family fun nights are perfect for this but you have to make time for them. To make sure you follow through schedule them like any other appointment on your calendar.  The same night every week might work for your family, it does for us. Or if you can’t do it that often then aim for twice a month. Mark that day on the calendar in bright red and get ready for some fun.

Now comes the interesting part. The planning. Get everyone involved – kids, dad, mom and the dog. Don’t get so bogged down in the planning that it ruins the whole thing but let everyone share ideas. Letting each person take a turn coming up with something is a good idea too. Kids love it when they have a hand in planning. Be wild or wacky, old fashioned or a little bit bizarre, it doesn’t matter, the key is to spend time enjoying one another.

Here are some ideas for a fantastic family night to get creative juices flowing –

• Have an indoor picnic – This is a neat one when the weather is bad. Spread blankets on the floor, make potato salad and get out the squirt guns.
• Make a movie – If you have a video camera this one can be hilarious. Let the kids put on a play, or do a remake of your favorite movie.
• Have a game night – Remember playing board games as a child? Well your favorites are still around. Monopoly, Parcheesi and a host of new ones. And if you have little people Hasbro still has those delightful games we loved as kids - Candyland, Hi Ho Cherri-o or Chutes and Ladders.
• Tee off – Make a miniature golf course in your backyard. Gather doormats, dustpans, paper cups, lightweight balls and mini clubs. If it’s raining set up indoors. This is a favorite of Jyl Steinbeck, America’s Healthiest Mom and her family.
• Play ball – Baseball, basketball, soccer or football. Pick whichever your family enjoys, gather up your equipment and hit the field
• Old fashion theatre night – rent some oldies, pop some popcorn and make milk shakes. Black and white comedies are a blast. If you kids have never seen Abbot and Costello they are in for a treat.
• Swimfest – Have a pool party. Bring out the floaties and the beach towel and have some water fun. Don’t have a pool or it’s chilly outside? Call up the local hotel that has an indoor pool. Most will let you swim for a fee or rent it for a block of time.

So what are you waiting for? Get out the calendar, have a family planning meeting and schedule in some fun. You will be glad you did and so will your kids. The whole gang will find themselves eagerly watching the calendar to see when the next Family Fun Night is.

copyright Belinda Mooney -Belinda Mooney is a freelance writer and mother of 7. She has been published in over 50 publications. If you would like to use any of her articles please email her at belinda@learningtreasures.com