Families need playtime together.
They need a chance to relax, have fun and play.
So often, families are so busy with the different activities and responsibilities that they forget to get together and reconnect.
Making time for the family to be together may take some serious effort, but it is sure to come with some serious rewards.
Getting the family together for dinner is a great start and should be done often, but there are added benefits to be had when the family starts to play.
Family members relax, conversations happen and bonds are built.
Family playtime is a tradition well worth the time and effort involved.
Children deserve to have fond memories of childhood that include family activities.
These memories become a treasured part of childhood that will be carried with them throughout their lives.
Play can come in many different forms, but the best type of play will allow for conversation.
Playful competition can be healthy, but care should be taken to avoid letting it take a serious turn.
After all, winning the game is not the goal, building memories and having fun are much more important.
Family game nights are a great way to get the group together and can include board games, card games or video games.
Care should be taken to make sure all members are included, especially if the activity revolves around video games as the number of players is limited.
Card games are often a great choice for larger families and a rousing game of Uno can even overcome the reluctance of many a sullen teenager.
Board games, carefully chosen, will also provide lots of opportunities for friendly chatter.
Just be careful to choose a game that will fit the timeslot available.
A rousing game of Monopoly might not be the best choice for a school night.
Taking the family outside is also a great choice.
Outdoor games can be as simple as a casual game of soccer in the backyard, tossing the Frisbee around or finding local basketball hoops for a quick game.
A full blown game of basketball will keep everyone around a bit longer and should really help family members let their guards down and relax.
Playing hard is a great way to open the lines of communication and you may be surprised at the conversations that come after the game as well.
Portable and adjustable basketball hoops make it easy to have a quick game in your own driveway.
Be sure to plan a variety of activities to keep the family interested and having fun.
You don't want to play video games every Monday night if one member of the family really isn't into them.
Keeping the activities varied will help ensure that each family member's strengths are recognized and each has a chance to shine.
Setting a regular day for these family days will help members plan around them, but if that doesn't work for your family, just be sure to have them as often as you can.