a "bend" in the rules

A family night with a small "bend" in the rules can at times be just what everyone needs to let off a little steam. Things like staying up a little later at bedtime, or having just a pizza for dinner with no salad, or staying in your pajamas all day on a weekend are fun little ways to let down a bit and (hopefully) help everyone remain on an even keel. This of course works best with children who are old enough and self-controlled enough to understand that this is not the norm, but the exception. And it's sometimes fun for mom and dad not to have to be the "bad guy", if even for a short time!