Monday, March 26, 2007

Card Games

Our family has always enjoyed playing different card games together. When the kids were small we would play games like "Go Fish" or "Crazy Eights". Even young children can learn these games. And they love to feel big playing big kid games.

There are so many card games that can be learned as the kids get older as well. I have even taught my kids different variations on Solitaire. That way, when family night is over, they can still have fun playing cards, even if no one else is available to play.

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Putt Putt

We took the family to Putt Putt at the kid's request. It is good to accomodate the kids' request when feasible, as it ensures they will have an enjoyable experience. We played a round of golf. We all had a good time putting around. Then we went indoors to the fun house where the kids had a good time sending Mom down a dark hall that has a point that "explodes" when it detects your motion. They said the highlight of the night was Mom letting out a scream! :)

After looking in the funhouse mirrors and at the optical illusions, we cashed in some previously won coupons for game tokens. The kids each bought 20 tokens for $3. We spent the rest of the time watching them play games and win tickets. Afterwards, the tickets were used to "buy" handfuls of candy.

You can check your local Putt Putt for daily specials.

Saturday, March 17, 2007

When Traveling

Sometimes when traveling, family nights may seem unnecessary because you are all together during the travel time. But sometimes, just spending a little while hanging out can help furthur build the bonds of family. It may be an organinzed game of cards, or enjoying a TV program together, or talking about the lastest sports, maybe even playing a car game while in transit. These things help keep the family bonded, and help pass the time, while traveling. One of the best things you can remember to do together as a family while traveling together-laugh!

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Important Decisions

Family nights can include things other than just fun and games. Sometimes mom and dad have important decisions to make that involve family plans, but do not necessarily involve the younger members.

Perhaps one family night, after the fun is over and the kids are in bed, mom and dad can spend a bit of time in finding the information they need to make some of these important decisions.

Getting the info for things like life insurance and mortagages is never fun, but if you can spend time together finding the fit that is right for your family, it just may make the job a little easier and more pleasant.

Financial One offers a place for one stop shopping for life insurance, annuities and mortgages . You simply fill out the short form and they will get back with you with quotes from over 140 companies. This means they will do all the shopping for you, leaving you with more time to spend with your family.

Sunday, March 11, 2007

The Theater

A great family night out is attending a performance at a local theater together. You can often find performances at middle schools, high schools, colleges and local theater groups. Right now, many schools are putting on their spring shows.

Going to the theater is a great experience for everyone. It is fun, and is different than watching a movie. There are many great shows, from old classics to musicals, to practically unheard of stories.

The theater is a place where magic can come alive. Take your family out to a play and see the magic for yourself.

Monday, March 5, 2007

Looking at Old Pictures

Looking at old pictures together can make for a unique family night experience. Everyone loves to look at old photos. These can bring back such fond family memories. You can share stories with the kids that they may have forgotten, or maybe even ones they haven't heard before. Tell them about your wedding, about when they were born, or about a favorite vacation.

Get out even older pictures, of grandparents and great-grandparents and strengthen the extended family bonds. Share your memories of these older folks, from whom you have gained much. See if there are any family resembleances.

You could even expound on this idea to put together a family photo album or scrap book. Kids love pictures, and it is a great way to build the family bond together.

Thursday, March 1, 2007

Trivia Games

One of my favorites growing up, and even today, is trivia games. Not that I am good at it, but it is fun to play, remember, and learn some things as you go. Trivia games can bring just those concepts to family night as well.

There are many trivia games to choose from these days. You can get anything from general knowledge, to TV or movies, to Disney, or even Star Wars.

Trivia games are good for having fun together and learning new things. When including younger children, it is a good idea to have teams, so that the younger ones won't lose just for the fact they have less experience in this world and less time to have learned these things.

One of the best trivia games we have found for playing with all ages in is a new one we got at Christmas. It is the Game of Knowledge , which features certain questions for ages 10-16, while the older folks answer a completely different question. This helps level the playing field, so all have a chance to answer things they know about and have experienced.