Family game night is supposed to be fun, right? But somehow, it always ends in chaos—someone flips the board, a heated debate breaks out over the rules, and suddenly, the night is over. If that sounds familiar, don’t worry. With a few tweaks, you can turn your next game night into a drama-free, laugh-filled event.
Set Ground Rules (Yes, You Need Them)
Look, we all love a good competition, but when your little cousin is crying because Grandma “cheated” at Uno, it’s time to lay down some rules. Before you start, agree on a few basics:
- No arguing over the rules. Whatever’s written on the box stands. No house rules unless everyone agrees beforehand.
- No sore winners or losers. Yes, it’s fun to win, but no one wants a victory dance in their face. And if you lose? Keep it moving.
- Respect the game master. Whether it’s the person reading trivia questions or the one dealing the cards, their word is final.
Having these rules in place helps avoid those unnecessary meltdowns.
Pick Games That Keep Things Light
Some games just invite disaster. Anything that involves intense strategy, lying, or stealing (we’re looking at you, Monopoly) might not be the best choice if you’re trying to keep the peace. Instead, go for games that focus on fun rather than fierce competition.
Take the game of Pictionary for example. It’s all fun and games until someone gets “chimney inspection” as their clue. How do you even draw that? A tiny house with smoke coming out? A confused stick figure looking up? By the time the person has scribbled something completely unrecognizable, everyone is in stitches. That’s the kind of energy you want for game night—less “I will destroy you” and more “What even is that drawing?”
Other great picks? Charades, Apples to Apples, or any game where being ridiculous is part of the fun.
Know When to Call It a Night
The longer game night goes, the more likely it is that someone will start getting cranky. If you’ve already had a great time, don’t force one more round of trivia or another go at the word puzzle game. Know when to wrap it up before things take a turn.
A good rule of thumb? End on a high note. If everyone just had a hilarious moment, like Dad absolutely butchering his turn at charades, that’s the perfect time to say, “Alright, that’s a wrap!” Ending while everyone is still laughing leaves them wanting more for next time.
Game night doesn’t have to be a battlefield. Really, with a little planning, the right game selection, and a well-timed exit strategy, you can keep the peace and make it a night everyone actually enjoys. Now, who’s ready to draw another round of Pictionary?
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