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No matter if you are planning a quiet night in with your family, or would like to invite some friends over, a family night in should be the time when you create memories with your kids that will last a lifetime. Even if you have some traditions, you can add new things to make them look forward to it every time you are spending time with them. Take the time off work, turn off your laptop, and enjoy simply being together.
Create an idea board
Before you start planning your family night in, you will have to ask everyone what they would like to do. This will make them more engaged and feel like their voice is heard. You can ask toddlers as well as teenagers, and you can create an idea board together. Get a large cardboard, print some images, and start the craft project as a part of your preparation for the night in.
Add a suggestion box
If you have a big family, or would like your guests to be heard, you can also create a suggestion box in your house, so you can collect information on their preferences. You might think that one particular board game will be extremely popular, but your kids might be bored with it already, or they might prefer to do something else. Pay attention to your kids’ food choices, too. You don’t have to give in to their demands for fast food.
Don’t set a schedule
No matter how much you want to organize everything, you might not be able to stick to a schedule when you have little kids in the family. You will, therefore, prioritize the activities, and move on to the next one when everyone is ready to do so. You don’t want them to stop playing and ruin their fun just because time is up.
Have Backup Options
You will also have to come up with some backup options, as you cannot predict what will happen. You might think that the movie you have chosen will be engaging everyone, just to find that most of the kids start fidgeting after five minutes. Be ready to change the schedule and come up with an alternative game. It should be about having fun and not having to do what you planned.
Take a break from the screen every now and then
When you plan a family night in, you will have to try and connect with your kids without the screens interfering. Of course, technology is great and can be of help. For example, if you are playing word games, you can get your younger kids to use unscramble so they don’t feel disadvantaged when playing with older siblings. However, there are plenty of board games you can enjoy without having to look at the screen, too.
A family night in is a chance for you as a parent to connect with your kids on a new level and deepen your relationship. Use it to create memories.
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