DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: I thought it would be one way to snatch some family time before the start of our usual busy weeks if we had a family game night on Sunday evenings. That is one of the only blocks of time when my husband, our kids, and I are all not running in different directions. No homework, sports, or clubs. Perfect, right?
Well, we have tried this plan of mine several times now, and almost without exception, no matter what game or games we try, all we manage to experience is squabbling, hurt feelings, and me wondering why I thought this would be such a good idea.
Is this worth it, or just a hair-brained mom scheme gone wrong? --- NO FUN GAME NIGHTS
DEAR NO FUN GAME NIGHTS: There’s nothing wrong with having given your idea a try, but it’s probably time to cut your losses and find another way to enjoy a few hours of quality family time — perhaps until such time as the kids are older and hopefully better able to handle a little competition.
One suggestion is to consider doing something more active earlier in the day, if Sundays are less committed days in general. Think along the lines of getting everyone outdoors for a hike or other physical activity even once or twice a month, for instance.
If you’re limited to the Sunday evenings, you might want to try holding a family movie night, early enough to not conflict with school night bedtimes, and where everyone gets a turn picking the film.
While it’s certainly a more passive pursuit than playing games or getting in some outdoor exercise, it at least brings you all together, and sometimes that’s its own kind of magic, especially if it doesn’t involve a lot of friction.