This is a sponsored post
There is NOTHING quite like getting together as a family for a spot of fun. It is good to be able to sit down together. Perhaps after watching a family show like The Voice that we all like so we are in a good mood. So perhaps you can try this weekend too? Why not gather around the table and then get stuck into one of your favourite board games. It could be the perfect way for a Saturday night to go, don’t you think? We have been challenged, by Giffgaff, who sponsor The Voice, to think of ways we can make a family games night work better.
Why not take a look and see if we can help you have a fabulous evening with the kids, and make some great memories?
It is easy to forget to make time together as a family; but there is nothing more important for keeping sanity in a household than learning to enjoy each other’s company. Board games, and activities done together as a family help to create memories and bonds that can last a lifetime.
We’ve had a few games nights – so here are the ten things that we have learnt on them in the last few years.
What would you add to these ideas?
Pick a game that works for you all…
If your family is anything like ours, sometimes something simple can cause a little tension between siblings, or even parents and children. In which case, it is important to pick a game to play that works for you all. Think about the age, abilities, likes and dislikes of those involved and pick something that works for everyone.
It’ll make for a calmer and more relaxing time.
..but, if you can’t pick one – take it in turns
Do you struggle to pick one game that works for everyone involved? Then why not help to keep everyone involved by letting each of those playing pick one game. If you are going to be playing for a couple of hours, get a few games in, so you’ll all have a turn.
If you have kids who are younger, and older, to make the games where you need to be a little older fairer – why not work together as a team? Pair an adult with a child, or a younger kid with a slightly more patient older one.
Teams are a really great leveller in family game time.
Not everything is a competition
It IS worth making sure that we all remember that not everything is a competition; so try and keep those competitive tendencies in check. Kids do model our behaviour, so if we get a little bit carried away – you bet they will too.
Family games night should be fun! If there is an argument brewing, and it safe and OK to back down – why not do it? We don’t HAVE to win them all.
Try not to tease too much
There are bound to be situations in a family games night when it seems like a good idea to tease your brother/sister/mum/dad about their performance.
This is a little bit of the family banter. BUT. don’t get so caught up in it all that you don’t read the signs that they might be getting a little upset. If they get tetchy and quiet – back off and distract with something else. No-one wants to upset anyone on family games night.
Put away the tech
If you are always reaching for the phone or the tablet while you are playing – then you are going to find it is a) harder to win (!) and b) annoying for other family members. Pay attention and stay in the moment, so that you can understand what’s going on and have more chance of enjoying yourself too.
Technology is great – but why not focus on the family on family games night, rather than your iPad or iPhone?
Make sure you’ve got fuel
We all love a bit of a snack – so make games night even more special by having some nice ones lined up. Get in a take away delivery even, or you could make sometimes cool yourself. What about these homemade malted milk biscuits, or even better some custard creams?!!?
Don’t expect it to be perfect
The important thing is with family is to remember that NOTHING is ever perfect – so don’t build up the night to be too amazing, either to your kids or to yourself.
That way, you won’t be disappointed if you burn the garlic bread, or the toddler has a tantrum because they didn’t win!
Patience is everything
When you are a parent, you sometimes feel that patience is running very, very low. Or that your kids are giving you a test to see just how far they can test your patience. Family games night may give you a few more testing times, but don’t worry – you will all get there.
It might take 3 attempts for the 4-year old to understand the rules for something. But when they do, it’ll be worth it.
Go with the flow.
Don’t forget to get out into the garden too
Games don’t all have to be had in the comfort of your own home – there are games that you can play in the garden, or ideas for activities there too. Plenty of toys that you can play with as a family as well. So why not take a look at what’s about, an throw them into the mix as well?
Pick a day when there are no distractions
This is kind of obvious – but it still worth mentioning; best to pick a day to have a family games night when there isn’t too much else going on. You really want the family to be focused on the activities, and less worried about the fact that Mum usually phones on a Saturday evening, or there is their favourite show on at 10.30pm so we really do need to be finished by then…
The less distractions for everything, the more fun you’ll have.
We do hope you like these ideas and that if you have a family games night, it works perfectly for you.
If you need more ideas of what you can do with the family; why not take a look at these ideas as well?
Family activities
Why not try some of these ideas on family games night?
Top 10 best board games for family fun
Some ideas for what to play on your family games night.
How to play vintage kids games: Beetles and Five Stones
A couple of printable ideas for vintage games.
Make your own Monopoly Board game based on YOUR town
Try and make your own monopoly board game.
Free game: What's in the Bag?
Have you ever played What's in the Bag? Now is your chance!
Design and make your own board game #31DaysOfLearning
Why not design and make your own board game - here are a few tips on how to do it.
There are loads of great activities above, but if you want to look further afield for some of your family games night ideas – why not try these?
Family games night ideas - external sites
Here are some great ideas from other sites on family games nights. Why not take a look?
20 Family Game Night Ideas - A must Try For Every Family- PLAYTIVITIES
Thoughts on what you can do on family games night - over 20 ideas for you.
15 Card Games that are Perfect for Your Next Family Game Night
Card games are great for family games night, there are so many different options, you are bound to be able to find something that works for the ages and abilities of your kids.
Family Fun Night - Minute to Win It
This is a great game pack for a family night - involving the game Minute to Win it. Why not take a look?
We do hope you love the ideas we have shared with you today, courtesy of Giffgaff. Why not think about what night works best for you, and have a family games night really soon?
If you do like these thoughts – sight up to our weekly newsletter as well – so you always keep up to date with our ideas.
Cheers for coming. And thanks as well.
Helen
Helen
Helen is a mum to two, social media consultant, and website editor; and this site is (we think) the only Social Enterprise parenting magazine!Since giving up being a business analyst when juggling travel, work and kids proved too complicated, she founded KiddyCharts so she could be with her kids, and use those grey cells at the same time.KiddyCharts has reach of over 1.1million across social and the site. The blog works with big family brands (including travel) to help promote their services, as well as offering free resources to parents of kids under 10.It gives 51%+ profits to Reverence for Life, who fund a number of important initiatives in Africa, including bringing running water and basic equipment to a school in Tanzania.Helen has worked as a digital marketing consultant (IDM qualified) with various organisations, including Channel Mum, Truprint, Talk to Mums, and Micro Scooters. She loves to be creative in the brand campaigns she works on.Get in touch TODAY!