Emily's Mind Dump Madness

Family Game Time

We try to have family game time once a week. It doesn’t always work out that way, but we try. If you have teenagers like we do, then you know how often they come out of their rooms – almost never. Game time allows us some face to face time with them. Gives us a chance to just be. Game time isn’t about grilling them about what is going on in their lives, or what they are planning for their future, or why they are failing that one class. It is just family fun. That isn’t to say that those conversations don’t come up, they do. But we’re able to have them in a more relaxed way, without the frustration or anger.

Benefits of Family Game Time

  1. Strengthens Family Bonds
    • Creates shared memories and inside jokes
    • Encourages teamwork and collaboration
  2. Boosts Communication Skills
    • Sparks conversation in a relaxed setting
    • Helps kids (and adults) practice listening and expressing themselves
  3. Teaches Life Skills
    • Problem-solving
    • Strategic thinking
    • Patience and sportsmanship
  4. Reduces Screen Fatigue
    • Offers a break from phones, TVs, and tablets
    • Encourages face-to-face connection
  5. Supports Emotional Well-being
    • Laughter reduces stress and boosts mood
    • Gives everyone a safe space to relax together
  6. Builds Tradition
    • Weekly or monthly game nights can become a cherished family ritual
    • Strengthens a sense of belonging

One of our go-to games for family (or friends-only) game night is Cards Against Humanity. It never fails to bring out the ridiculous laughter and ‘I can’t believe you just said that’ moments. If you’ve never played, it’s definitely a mix of silly and wildly inappropriate—perfect for adults who don’t mind a little chaos. I’ve linked it here https://amzn.to/3UuJB8C if you want to grab a copy for your own game nights. Heads up: I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, but I only share games we genuinely love and play ourselves.

Another one we play a lot of is Clue (also earn on this one), both the original version and the newer one. We truly enjoy trying to best each other with Clue, but the youngest seems to win more than the rest of us.

Family game time is one of my favorite parts of the week because there is no fuss or muss, no intent beyond enjoying each other’s company, no where we are rushing off to. It is just us, relishing in some down time.

Do you have a family game time? Or maybe a game night with friends? We do that, just not as often as we used to. What is you’re favorite game to play for these? Got a new game I should introduce to the family? I would love to get some ideas!

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Emily Busick
Welcome to Emily’s Mind Dump Madness, the heartwarming space where family, love, and a touch of chaos come together. I’m a wife and devoted mother of three (and a few bonus kiddos). As a household manager, theater/dance mom, and overall jill of all trades, I navigate the beautiful chaos of raising a family with a sense of humor and a whole lot of heart. With three amazing children who are growing up with big hearts and kindness for all, my journey is filled with love, laughter, and a few theater shows along the way. Originally a mountain girl, I now find myself navigating the bustling streets of the big city. The juxtaposition of the serene mountains and the urban hustle creates a unique backdrop for our family adventures. In the midst of the hustle, you’ll find me always on the go, ensuring the well-being of those around me, and working to build a business or two. Whether it’s coordinating family schedules, cheering on my theater kids, or simply being there for a friend, I believe in the power of kindness and the importance of creating a supportive community.
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