Easy Ideas for Family Meals and Game Time

When the kids were still at home, it was important to us that we ate our meals together at the table. As they got older and had activities, we had to make a few exceptions. However, for the most part, we had our family meals at the table. We also enjoyed playing games together. Eating together and playing games are some of the easiest ways we can spend enjoyable time with our families. I would love to share some easy ideas for family meals and game time.

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The Importance of Family Meals

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Several years ago I read some research on the importance of families sitting down together (at the table) for family meals. I wish I could find the statistics to share with you. Although I do not have the exact numbers, I remember that drug use and giving in to peer pressure amongst youth sharply decreased when families shared family meals at the table several times a week.

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I recently read an article from familychristian.com. The article explains the importance of family meals, and it also gives you ideas for conversation starters. Click this link to read, “Why Eating Together As A Family Matters?”

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Easy Family Meal Times

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Family meals should be enjoyable for everyone in the family. With that being said, here are a few tips and ideas to keep in mind:

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• Keep all table conversations on positive notes. Do not bring up any problems or trouble at the table.
• Ask each other about their days. Even teenagers tend to open up at mealtimes.
• When possible, make preparations together.
• You might let each person pick a meal a week or month.
• Obviously, everyone should gather around the table.
• It does not have to be fancy. In fact, sandwiches, corny dogs, or whatever you have is just as great at the table as it is elsewhere.

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Enjoying Family Game Time

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We love playing games together. Some family members can get very competitive when games are involved! When the kids were small, Jay taught them that you don’t always win. LOL! There were some great lessons in our game times as well as other benefits. Just from my observation (nothing scientific), here are some of the benefits I have seen come from family game time:

• Families have fun together.
• Conversations naturally happen.
• Memories are made.
• Healthy competition is learned.
• Thinking skills are developed – strategic thinking, word skills, higher level thinking, etc.
• Social skills are developed.

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We still play games on occasion when the family all gets together. However, when the girls come to visit, it is almost a must. They love games, and you have to have snacks while your play! A couple of their favorites are pictured below. Notice how worn out the Trouble box is now.

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Here are a couple of others I enjoy.

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I tend to like the word games best, and Jay likes anything with strategic thinking. There are so many games to choose from these days, with all sorts of topics. You just have to find the ones that fit your family best.

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New Favorite Game

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A few weeks before Christmas, a friend of ours posted that her son did woodwork, and she shared his Etsy link. Oh my goodness! When I went to his site, I was so impressed. We immediately ordered a game for my daughter and her family. When it arrived, I ordered a game for the two of us. This was how we spent our New Year’s Eve – playing WaHoo. Before he puts it in the comments, yes, Jay won all four games!

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I have already had people ask for a link to order a personalized game like this. He makes these as well as many other items and games. If you are interested, contact Jared Tredway on Etsy here at this link. You will definitely enjoy it!

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Family Meals and Game Time Challenge

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I would like to challenge each of us (myself included) to spend more meal times at the table, and more time with the family in game time. I would also love to hear about your family’s game time favorites. Please tell about it or share pictures in the comments. I love new ideas!

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Click here to read an earlier post, “Kitchen Table Memories.” You have to hear the song at the end of the post! It is amazing!

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I hope something in these easy ideas for family meals and game time was helpful to someone. Let’s keep having fun and building memories with our families!

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Have a Grace & Joy-filled day!

Susan

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“When I am filled with cares, Your comfort brings me joy.” Psalms 94:19