You might decide to have a family dinner, play a game, take a walk, watch a movie, etc.. Families that find the night valuable may then choose to make it a recurring event or find other ways to make family life more involving and meaningful, and to diminish the stress from being over-scheduled.  Family Night can be as simple or as detailed as you and your children would like it to be. Here are some things to think about but remember to discuss the issues together as a family. Everyone needs to feel a part of this!

1. Decide how often and which night of the week will work best for your family

• Once a month
• Once a week

2. Discuss what you would like to do

• Take turns cooking a family meal
• Read aloud a favorite book
• Play a game
• Watch a movie
• Go for a bike ride, etc.
• Watch family slides or video

3. Discuss some ground rules

• Start on time: Set a time and location that everyone has agreed upon to meet
• Everyone be there: This means declining invitations and no friends allowed
• Everyone participates: choose activities that the entire family is interested in, or take turns picking the meal, movie, or activity.
• Who is in charge:  Are you taking turns?
• Be firm with rules, but also flexible: Everyone needs to prioritize the event by declining invites, scheduling activities or work for a different time, but occasionally your designated Family Night might occur on a “bad” night (a holiday or someone is sick). When this occurs, don’t cancel your Family Night, but re-schedule it to another night or make an adjustment to the planned activity.

Please tell us about a family night you really enjoyed so we can share it with others.

Family Reading Hour

Family Night:  Make It a Part of Your Family’s Routine

The Great American Family Read In

Family Night Fun

Celebrate Your Family

Family Activities