Family Games — 6 Secrets for Making Them Fun
By Istar Schwager, Ph.D.

That's a "string in the cellar" my mom would say when something was unknowable. The family catchphrase originated from the time my sister had us stumped during a round of 20 Questions. Remember when everything could be classified as animal, vegetable or mineral?

Traditional games can draw loved ones closer together during the holidays and year round. Games that mix skill and chance also prepare kids for many other experiences in life. To make this time fun for all, consider these half-dozen strategies.

Parent and children playing a board game

  1. Plan a game night.
    Why not designate an hour a week for family play? A routine helps everyone to make a commitment—and this one is worth scheduling into your busy life.

  2. Include the entire family. To insure family participation, assign teams so that younger kids aren't left on the sidelines. Or pair younger children with a parent or older sibling so the expert player becomes a mentor rather than the undefeated champ.

  3. Encourage collaboration.
    Foster cooperation between team members and, in a pinch, let opposing teams "help" one another. Create a spirit of friendly rivalry, not cutthroat competition. The idea is to have fun as a family, without leaving kids or younger siblings feeling trumped.

  4. Keep the game going.
    My husband, son and I once held a month-long UNO tournament—our own version of March Madness. By playing round after round, we maintained a sense of on-going involvement, kept up the suspense, and diminished the importance of winning any one game.

  5. Be a good sport.
    Help your kids by modeling how to play fair, make an effort, and follow the rules—and how to let go and move on after the game is over. Discourage gloating, pouting, and grudges.

  6. Laugh!
    The funny things that happen during games can create wonderful bonding moments among all age groups. As long as they are played for fun, games can reduce stress, encourage communication, and become future treasured memories.

So, what will be your family's "string in the cellar?" Keep some word games up your sleeve for times when you and your kids need a shared diversion. Go to "7 Family Games to Play Anywhere", where you'll find the rules for fun, intergenerational games that you can play anytime, anywhere.