We're all familiar with the Hasbro ad campaign extolling the virtues of family game night.
And, anyone who has ever picked up a parenting book or magazine can probably site one or two of the reasons playing board games with our kids is good for them. It's not rocket science. Game playing teaches kids about taking turns. It helps them learn how to follow rules. Then there's that whole graceful winner/loser thing.
For this week's Great Escape, try a couple's game night with your spouse/significant other.
My husband and I have been known to enjoy a Friday night Scrabble marathon in our day.
It might not be as exciting as our date nights of yore when we trapsed to the local watering hole and had our ear drums blown out by the cover band of the minute. In our case, it was usually The Fun House on Fourth Street in Bethlehem.
But, couple's game night has a lot of merit.
First of all, other than the special bottle of wine we typically incorporate into our Scrabble session, couple's game night is absolutely free. We tuck the kiddos safely into their bunks upstairs and then head down to the kitchen table to play, so there's no need to even shell out any money for a baby sitter.
And, you don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out the benefits of couple's game night either.
With all the hustle and bustle of dual careers, taking care of the house, walking the dog, shuttling children to scouting meetings and sports practices, and the like, is it any wonder that we forget to set aside time to simply have some fun together?
So this weekend dust off the Monopoly and give couple's game night it a try. You can always watch the boob tube next week.
