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Whenever I can help another parent, I will.  Because there isn’t a parent out there who can’t use a little help now and then, and making changes to our family game night has made a big difference in my home.

Family game night is a wonderful idea.  The family can get together and spend some quality time, and there are usually snacks.  All of it sounds great, except that if someone gets to win then someone has to lose.  We would often finish a game having to console a small child who got upset, or someone would refuse to play because they had lost the last time.  Or sometimes the last several times.  Then we found a company that specializes in co-operative games.  The whole family is on the same time, so everyone wins together or everyone loses together.  Our favourite is called “The Secret Door” but there are plenty on www.familypastimes.com that can get everyone playing together.

The other change to our game night has been playing classic games on the Ipad.  Most of your childhood favourites are there, Monopoly, Scrabble,  Risk, The Game of Life (good for the little kids, cause it seems to be all about luck, much like REAL life) even Ticket to Ride (one of my favs, good for the older kids) All the games are played in the same way as the traditional board game, but there are no pieces to lose.  No board to set up.  No cards to shuffle.  No one gets stuck being the banker.  And even better, there is nothing to clean up when the game is over.  No need to put all the tiny pieces back in all the right spots, just turn off the app and tuck the kids into bed.  It can even be used in the car (the driver is obviously not allowed to play Scrabble while driving) but it’s an engaging way to spend a long drive.

Those are my tips, we always want to hear yours.  Whenever you can help another parent, please share.  www.facebook.com/KISSSudbury or you can Tweet us @KiSSsudbury and of course call or text 705-566-1053.  Every parent needs all the help they can get, if something works for you please share.  We are all in this together.

Jeremy

Kiss  Breakfast with Jeremy, Shannon & Beecher