3 Tips: Family Games Durig COVID-19

By Victoria Cobb, Family Foundation President and Proud Mom of Four Kids!

I grew up with a grandmother that loved to play games. I can remember my grandmother happily joining my sister and me for a game of Monopoly into the wee hours of the morning. (While my parents were out of town of course!) These memories are still vivid in my mind even though my grandmother went to be with the Lord 20 years ago. What happens in your home during quarantine can turn into those lasting, irreplaceable memories of family bonding—if you embrace family fun along with the stresses of schooling children at home and economic challenges!   Here are some tips to help create those memories:

 1). Learn a new game.  Most families have that game that sits in a cabinet but doesn’t get played.  Often, when you take the time to learn it, it can become a family favorite. Our household broke out Triominos last week.  This game was fun for all ages and comes with some bonus math work for older elementary students that doesn’t feel quite like school, since it’s a game.  If your children are younger, a parent can just add up the points for them. Other shorter-length games that work for elementary students, but are actually fun for the adults as well, include Racko, Rummikub and Rollers.  Also, don’t miss the fact that Uno has lots of new variations. We like the one that has you pressing a button and cards flying at you instead of just picking from a pile.   

2)     Revive a classic.  Apparently, Capture the Flag never gets old.  From days gone by, my children revived this classic. Now, on any given evening, if you find yourself in my cul-de-sac, you’ll find nightly games of this spanning multiple yards involving many of the neighborhood children—with adequate social distance of course!  It did require that we replenish our stock of flashlights through Amazon, but it’s been well worth it. I also saw a family playing Kick the Can, another oldie but a goodie.

3)  Use your choice of family fun to help your favorite charity.  If you do buy a game or flashlights through Amazon, don’t forget to use Amazon Smile and select your favorite nonprofit for an easy way to give in tough economic times.  (Hint: The Family Foundation!) Amazon smile gives .5 percent of your purchase to your preferred charity. Most nonprofits are planning for a rocky road ahead as 20 percent of Americans are currently out of a job. This is an easy way to help them out.  To date, charities have received $169,000,000 through Amazon.  It does add up!

Until next time,

Victoria