“Weekend Board Games Made Us Closer” – A Real-Life Family Reflection
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Introduction:
We never planned it. No big resolutions, no parenting books. Just one night, we dusted off a board game. And it changed our weekends—and maybe even our family—for the better.
A Mom’s Perspective: Reclaiming Family Time
"Between school, work, and screens… we were all in the same house, but barely together. Game night changed that. Now, Friday evenings mean laughter and eye contact—not notifications."
Research shows that families who play together report higher satisfaction and stronger emotional bonds (Nikkelen et al., 2014). For this mom, game night became a way to reconnect without pressure or screens.
A Teen’s Perspective: From “Boring” to Beloved
"At first, I rolled my eyes. But the more we played, the more I talked. Now I actually look forward to game night—don’t tell my friends."
Board games offer structure and safety—especially for teens who might struggle to open up. Cooperative play builds empathy and communication, according to a study in Games for Health Journal (Staiano et al., 2018).
A Dad’s Perspective: Rewriting His Role
"I used to think I had to be ‘fun dad’ on trips or holidays. Now, every week, I have a chance to just enjoy time with my kids. It’s simple—and it’s everything."
Rituals like game night become emotional anchors. According to psychologists, these repeated, shared activities give children a sense of security and belonging (Fiese et al., 2002).
What We’ve Gained—Without Even Realizing It
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We laugh more (even when someone loses)
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We talk more (yes, even the teen!)
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We touch our phones less
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We know each other better
It’s not perfect. Sometimes someone flips a board or storms off. But that’s part of it too. It’s real. It’s us.
Conclusion:
Games didn’t fix our family. But they gave us space to be ourselves—together. If you’re wondering whether it’s worth the effort to start a game night, here’s our advice: just open the box.