Playing games as a family is incredibly important. You could explain why by delving into game and goal theory, using developmental and psychological terminology, or even talking about learning styles.
But I think you need something a little more real than this kind of exposure. You need to hear stories and experiences from other people who have spent their lives playing fun family games. I am such a person. I grew up playing board games, cards and dice with my parents and siblings. Now, as a parent, I myself regularly play those same games, and new ones, with my wife and children. I want to share some of my stories with you because I believe that these stories will communicate much more than any theory.
As a kid, long before video games and computers at home, we would play a couple of nights a week around the kitchen table. During those afternoons together around the card table, we talked as a family, not only about games, but about everything. I didn’t realize how important it was until I became an adult and ventured out into the world. I met so many people whose families did not communicate; I’ve met so many people who never learned how to communicate effectively. What a difference family games made for me!
Fast forward to my years as a young father. After my oldest son started school, I couldn’t find a good way to motivate him to learn math. He had the ability; he just had no reason to worry. So I found some games that he really liked and taught him how to keep score. He was motivated to win and he was motivated to know where he stood in the game. As a result, he suddenly started paying attention in math class and came first in his class.
My youngest son has a completely different focus problem; he just can’t sit still for more than 30 seconds at a time…until we sit down as a family to play a game. He loves the attention. He loves the chance to hold his own, and even win, against his older brother and his parents.
And now, my oldest son is in high school. Like so many kids that age, he’s becoming a lot less talkative…until it’s time for family games. At the card table, he is still the same kid who does everything he can to win and has a lot of fun doing it. At the card table, he says things to me that he would never say in normal conversation. I think it’s because there’s no pressure; he can just be himself.
Family games are educational. They’re funny! They stimulate conversation! They teach us how to compete AND how to cooperate!
Which brings me back to the reason for writing this article. I want you to know: Playing games as a family is incredibly important! I hope your family starts having a family game night soon.