Family Night: A Fun Way to Reconnect

This is  a guest post by Sidra Newman.

Family Night: A Fun Way to Reconnect

This is the age of over scheduling for parents and kids. Even if you do manage to get a home cooked meal on the table a few nights a week, the odds are that several members of the family will be missing and eating on the run. Late night meetings, little league, and dance have pulled all of us into different directions. That is why it is essential for at least one night a week to be family night. No play dates, no cell phones and no activities. Family night does not have to blow the budget with an expensive restaurant bill or a fancy outing that includes sweets and fatty foods. All you need is a fun idea and time for the family to hang out together.

Cooking Dinner Together

Children love to help out in the kitchen and then enjoy eating their delicious masterpieces. With a little guidance from you, the kids can help with the menu planning. Pizza topped with assorted vegetables, frozen fruit smoothies or yogurt parfaits are just a few examples of foods you can make. Turn on some fun music and get everyone together to make a healthy and delicious dinner. The kids can even decorate the dining room with the theme for the night.

Board Games

Playing board games after dinner is a family standard for a reason. No need for an electronic gaming advice, get out Scrabble, Yahtzee and Pictionary. If your children are younger, Candyland and Shoots and Ladders are always fun. If you do not have these games at home, there is no need to run out and buy them. A big piece of paper and a marker are all you need for hangman. Make teams and keep score from game night to game night. A victor’s cup that is passed to the winning team at the end of the night will give everyone something to shoot for.

Movie Night

Pop some popcorn, gather the family and bring out the home videos. Everyone enjoys seeing their baby videos, the scenes from past birthday parties, and clips from vacations. Children love seeing their parent’s wedding video, and it is a fun way to start off the night. No need to stay quiet during these movies; laughing and reminiscing is what makes it a fun family night. If kids are getting antsy from sitting, bring out the video camera and take some more videos. Do not forget to let the kids take a few of you as well.

Family night does not have to be an expensive outing with junk food at the center. All you and your children need to have fun is time together, focusing on each other without distractions. Try out one of these ideas and mold it to your family’s preferences. Come up with your own ideas and let the children have a say in how you spend time together, too. Making family night a tradition in your home will be a fun way for you to reconnect and enjoy each other’s company.

Author Bio: Sidra Newman is a freelance blogger and occasionally writes for delivery.com a site she loves using to find local Online Delivery NYC where you can plank your Local Food Order.