Family Nights Why have one?

One of the most effective ways of strengthening a family and ensure the security and happiness of the children is to set aside an evening dedicated to family activities. A family night has been proven to be one of the basis of successful families and most families usually reserve an evening, mostly Mondays or Sundays when there are few events that have been planned for the week. Whatever day is chosen, it should be remembered that the one requirement for a family night is to have family members come together, have fun and communicate. A family night does not have to be a rigid schedule. Instead it can be anything from playing a game together to going out for dinner. If all the family members are committed to ensuring that it is a success, it will.

To enhance these nights, some kind of family learning or character development can also go together. While these are not school-like lessons, they can give real substance and help family members feel that these nights are truly rewarding. There are many family night ideas that families can adopt that can make these occasions something to look forward to. One of these is to make dinner time fun by having family dinner games. Since games add fun to the family night and encourage family members to open up in conversation as well as breaking up the monotony, they are good ideas that can be incorporated for all to enjoy. Games teach children how to be good winners and losers and can impart lifelong lessons.

Another idea for a family night can be having your own American Idol event. Rather than watch a pre-packaged Hollywood movie, why not have family members dance and sing, while one or two family members be judges while the rest compete for the next American idol title? To make it even more real use a Karaoke machine or microphone. Another creative idea for a family night would be to have a family mailbox. Kids love to get mail as well as parents; if they are not bills. Having a family mailbox where each family member leaves a message of encouragement for other family members to offer support, love and encouragement and then probably have these read on a family night is a real touching experience for all family members. When each family member takes time to make these occasions fun and interesting, a family night will become one of the most cherished moments for each member of the family.