Play Together, Stay Together
Dust off those dice, stir up a snack–and let the games begin!
Story by Jody Lutterman
Game night is re-emerging as one of America’s
favorite pastimes. TD Monthly, the trade
magazine of the toy and game industry, reports that
the $870 million board game industry experienced
a 65 percent increase in 2003 alone. Because most
families typically have hectic schedules, penciling
in a little hoopla can be a welcome relief. In addition
to enjoying quality interaction and frequent laughs,
games can build math and communication abilities.
Practicing life skills, such as patiently waiting
for a turn and winning or losing gracefully, is always
beneficial.
If you find it difficult to coordinate everyone’s
schedule, mark your calendar well in advance just
as you would for any other important event or activity.
A reserved space helps prevent other activities from
canceling your evening together. If there seems to
be a day of the week or month that is typically open,
book it several months ahead of time.
Families in the 21st century aren’t alone
in their struggle to find time for fun. Evidence
of board games has been uncovered in the unlikeliest
of places—Egyptian burials dating back to 3500
B.C. Early civilizations still made time to relax
and enjoy one another even while building cities
and creating one of the world’s greatest empires
(hardly an environment for leisurely nights spent
with the family).
The board game, as we know it, became widely popular
in the early 20th century when there was more disposable
income and more idle hours than in the past. After
World War II, the famous titles we still embrace
today—such as Scrabble®, Clue®, Candy
Land® and Yahtzee®—were created. Monopoly®,
another classic from the Depression era, ironically
earned Charles Darrow the honor of being the first
millionaire board game designer after he sold his
patent to Parker Brothers (but the sum wasn’t
paid in pastel paper money). The game is now printed
in 26 languages and sold in
80 countries.
All that card drawing and “do not pass go,
do not collect $200” could make the average
person hungry. Besides, what are games without munchies?
Food enhances the playing experience. It can lure
even the biggest cynic to the game table. Try fixing
a simple snack that everyone will enjoy. You can
even prepare it ahead of time so there are no dishes
to do or messes to clean when the night is over.
Popcorn will always be a favorite, but you can vary
the menu with a Tropical Snack Mix that’s packed
with nuts, dried fruit bits and popcorn. (While you’re
in the tropical mood, why not give the evening a
theme? Wear leis or Hawaiian shirts to the table
and don’t forget to slip on those flip-flops.)
Although fun is reason enough to make game night
a priority, remember all the valuable lessons that
can be learned as you play. In addition to building
unity and a sense of teamwork among family members,
most games offer a “consequence” based
on the player’s decision. This could open a
great opportunity to talk through the acceptance
of outcome based on choices (for example, if I choose
this space, I might make less money). Your children
would be astounded if they knew how much they were
learning just by rolling the dice or spinning the
wheel. If the weather cooperates, consider moving
outside for a round of basketball, softball or football.
Revive an oldie (but goodie) such as Kick the Can
or Red Rover. It is rewarding to teach your children
the games that entertained you as
a child.
It won’t take long for game night to become
a family tradition, but getting everyone to participate
the first time might take a little coaxing. To help
you make your case, we’ve suggested a few favorites.
Apples to Apples®
True to its name, this
game is as easy as comparing apples to apples.
Players offer the card in their hand they think
best describes the card played by the judge, who
selects the winner of each round by the best match.
Each takes a turn judging, so everyone has an equal
chance to win! Ages: 12+ [Out of the Box Publishing; target.com]
Uno Attack®
The UNO of the past is revived
with new twists; cards instruct players to “discard
all” or “swap
hands.” Instead of drawing cards from a pile,
players must hit the “attack” button
and wait to see how many cards shoot out from the
electronic card launcher. Fast and furious — this
is not your ordinary card game! Ages: 7+ [Mattel;
walmart.com]
Cranium™
Combine Pictionary®, trivia
and charades, throw in a little sculpting clay,
and you’ve got
Cranium™! But fair warning—it may cause
you to do embarrassing things in front of your
teenagers, such as humming Beatles tunes. Ages:
teen to adult / Cadoo version for 7+ [Cranium,
Inc.; target.com]
Cranium Cariboo™
Track down treasures in
an old-fashioned hunt with shape and color clues.
Although geared toward younger children, even parents
enjoy looking for hidden fortunes. Ages: 3+ [Cranium,
Inc.; walmart.com]
Cranium Whoonu™
The ultimate “I-didn’t-know
that-about-you” game
uncovers amusing personal facts while using “what’s-your-
favorite-thing” type questions.
Ages: 8+ [Cranium, Inc.; walmart.com]
Growing up addicted to board games makes Jody Lutterman
an expert on family game night. Though her siblings
are now grown, the tradition has helped them “stay
together”—pulling out their favorites
whenever the chance arises.