One night a week, the phones go in a basket by the door and the dining table becomes an arena. Family game night is loud, occasionally controversial, and hands down our favourite tradition. Here is how to make it stick.
Pick games that scale
The trick with mixed ages is finding games where a six-year-old and a grandparent can genuinely compete. Cooperative games are gold for younger kids - everyone wins or loses together, which means no tears at bedtime. For older kids, quick-turn party games keep the energy high.
House rules are allowed
If a game runs too long, shorten it. If the rules are too tricky, simplify them. The cardboard police will not come. The goal is laughter around a table, not tournament regulations.
- Ages 4+: cooperative games and picture matching
- Ages 6+: quick dice games and junior versions of classics
- Ages 8+: strategy-lite games with short turns
- Whole family: charades - still undefeated after all these years
Win or lose, end with the same snack every week. Tradition is just repetition with love.
