Many families are finding it harder to connect and spend time together. Life just keeps getting in the way with school, work, sports, after school activities, television and the internet. Experts often suggest eating a meal together without the television on, but this can be difficult when everyone is running in a different direction for their own activities. One popular solution is a family fun night. Once a week or whatever schedule works for the family everyone gathers for a few hours together. There are only two rules, attendance is required and no electronics can be used. No television, computer, ipod, cell phone or blackberries are allowed. This scheduled time together can help foster communication and keep family members connected to each other. It can be problematic to find fun activities for the family so here are three suggestions for your next family fun night.
Round Robin Board Games
Often families will choose to play a board game, but playing Candyland or even Monopoly repeatedly can get boring. For a more challenging activity have everyone choose their favorite board game and set it up in front of them at an empty table. Everyone will play every game so they need to choose their playing pieces for each game as it is set up. Everyone starts in front of their favorite game and makes the first play, then they move to the game immediately to the left. Each person takes their turn at each game. Follow all rules for each game and continue to play until there is a winner for each game.
Cooking Together
Not everyone likes to cook, but most people have some favorite dishes. Plan ahead to ensure all ingredients are available and have everyone cook their favorite dish. This meal may end up with three side desserts and a side dish, but it is only one meal so that is allowed. This activity can be repeated with the rule that each person must cook a different dish each time. Use the meal to create a family cookbook of favorite dishes. The cookbook can be given to the first person to move out of the home and into their own place. Make copies for the rest of the family too.
Make A Fort
This is a fun activity for parents with younger kids. Make a fort from blankets, sheets and chairs. Once the fort has been completed play a board game, eat a picnic, read a book or utilize the fort for any other favorite pastime. Doing familiar activities in an unfamiliar space can make things fun for everyone. When the night is done, put everything away and the room is clean again.
Family night is a vital link in keeping communication for many families. Use this time to enjoy favorite activities, go for a walk or just connecting with each other again.
Round Robin Board Games
Often families will choose to play a board game, but playing Candyland or even Monopoly repeatedly can get boring. For a more challenging activity have everyone choose their favorite board game and set it up in front of them at an empty table. Everyone will play every game so they need to choose their playing pieces for each game as it is set up. Everyone starts in front of their favorite game and makes the first play, then they move to the game immediately to the left. Each person takes their turn at each game. Follow all rules for each game and continue to play until there is a winner for each game.
Cooking Together
Not everyone likes to cook, but most people have some favorite dishes. Plan ahead to ensure all ingredients are available and have everyone cook their favorite dish. This meal may end up with three side desserts and a side dish, but it is only one meal so that is allowed. This activity can be repeated with the rule that each person must cook a different dish each time. Use the meal to create a family cookbook of favorite dishes. The cookbook can be given to the first person to move out of the home and into their own place. Make copies for the rest of the family too.
Make A Fort
This is a fun activity for parents with younger kids. Make a fort from blankets, sheets and chairs. Once the fort has been completed play a board game, eat a picnic, read a book or utilize the fort for any other favorite pastime. Doing familiar activities in an unfamiliar space can make things fun for everyone. When the night is done, put everything away and the room is clean again.
Family night is a vital link in keeping communication for many families. Use this time to enjoy favorite activities, go for a walk or just connecting with each other again.
About the Author:
More Family Night game, craft and game and activity ideas are available at www.creativekids.thingstodowithkidsmn.com.. This article, Fun Family Night Activity Ideas is released under a creative commons attribution license.
No comments:
Post a Comment