7 Benefits to a Regular Family Games Night

As parents, we recognise that there are lots of activities which can help build togetherness and unity in a family. One activity that fits this ideal is a weekly games night, where all the family takes an hour or two to play games after an evening meal. Here are seven of the top benefits for you to hold one regularly with your family.

1 Inexpensive: A single deck of playing cards can be used for over a hundred different games. You could play dice games for over a year without repeating any, with only a handful of dice. Many games (such as word games) are totally free. That's what I call excellent value!

2 Suitable for all ages: There are games suitable for young children and other games which suit adults or older children. There are still more games for players of all ages, from infants to great-grandparents. There is on reason for anyone to miss out, simply because of their age.

3 Does not discriminate against physical disabilities: The level of your physical skills is not particularly relevant to family games. Anyone can participate, as long as their brain still works. Even if someone is sick, you can move the game into their room.

4 Both educational and entertaining: Many so-called 'educational' games can be a bit boring. With a family games night, children will be learning how to recognise their letters and numbers while they also learn to add and multiply, and learn facts about geography and history (depending on the game). All while they think they are simply having fun.

5 Provides varied entertainment: There so many types of games that are suitable for a family. From card games and dice games, to parlor games, board games (both commercial and free), word games, tile (domino) games and pen and paper games. No one needs to be bored!

6 Provides room for wonderful family interactions: Games don't only provide the opportunity for fun. They also allow the family to share and care while talking together. There may even be tears and laughter, depending on who wins and who loses.

7 Builds strong character: Strength of character is a part of playing family games. Learning both to win gracefully and lose graciously is important for life. Putting others first is learned when a player decides to help everyone enjoy the game rather than simply trying to win all the time. Children and adults cooperating and working together to create a delightful experience.

These seven benefits are just the beginning of the great experience that a regular family games night can produce. Put them on your family's agenda to help build a healthy and happy family.