96% of families playing games feel closer

A recent study conducted by Hasbro found some very interesting statistics about family time, game time, and happiness.

As you know, we’re very big proponents of quality family time. And in addition to other activities, playing board games together is a great way to build those bonds and have fun.

Well, now there’s a study that confirms it!

According to the study report, 91% of those polled said playing games gives their family’s mood a positive boost. And 96% of families who play games together say that they feel close!

Even though today’s families are crazy-busy, they still want to feel close-knit, and they long for quality time together. This research shows that family game nights once or even twice a week are one way close families connect with each other. – Dr. Christine Carter, UC Berkeley

It was also interesting to note that 76% of Americans aren’t satisfied with the amount of quality time their family spends together. Wow. There’s definitely room to improve.

And digital devices are a distraction!

The constant barrage of email, texting, and social media is impacting family time together. One of the simple solutions is to set aside time during the day where digital devices are turned off or placed in another room. Dinner time and family game time are great times to do just that.

In addition to positively boosting a family’s mood, playing games as a family teaches crucial skills. The skills parents are most interested in their children learning are sportsmanship and problem solving.

Parents who carve out a few minutes each week to play face-to-face games significantly impact their family dynamic for the better.

Included in the report are a few tips on how to make the most of family game time. It includes tips such as:

• Schedule It
• Extend dinner by 20 minutes for a game
• Don’t keep score or automatically let kids win
• Have something for everyone
• Be the fun family in your neighborhood

And we’d agree with those tips!

In particular, we like the “Have something for everyone”. That’s why we do what we do – review family board games so you can find some great games for your family. Having a wide range of games to fit a variety of ages, number of players, interests and situations is a big help in fostering family game time.

Do you have a regular family game night on your family calendar?