In our home, game day/night is more than just a pastime – it’s our weekly ritual of laughter, teamwork, competition, and connection. While others might gather around for board games or movie night, we reach for our Joy-Cons and power up the Nintendo Switch. From Super Mario Party Jamboree to Mario Kart, our living room becomes a chaotic, giggling battlefield – and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Gaming together as a family works better than any “family meeting” ever could.
đ¨âđŠâđ§âđŚ Meet the Squad
Our player roster (only three of us are actively gaming for now đ).:
- Player 1: My husband, the calm, tactical gamer who still manages to get sabotaged by banana peels.
- Player 2: Me, the multitasking mama with snacks in one hand and ginger ale in the other.
- Player 3: Our 12-year-old, sharp as ever and low-key the most competitive among us.
- Tiny Cheerleader: Our toddler, who doesnât hold a controller yet but steals the show dancing to the background music and cheering us on in their own language of joyful squeals.
Sometimes the game is the challengeâother times, getting everyone to agree on which game to play is the boss battle. But once weâre in, itâs all fun and games (until someone loses to a CPU and pretends theyâre not salty about it).
đĽ Our Favorite Power-Ups (AKA Games We Love)
- Super Mario Party & Super Mario Party Jamboree â Letâs be honest, the mini-games are where the chaos lives. Whether it’s button mashing, shaking Joy-Cons like maracas, or trying to work together in hilariously uncoordinated waysâitâs where the best belly laughs happen.
- Mario Kart â We race dirty. Shells are thrown. Friendships are tested. But the adrenaline rush of that final lap and the victory dance that follows? Pure gold.
- Super Smash Bros â Ok, this one gets intense. It usually ends with my husband winning while my 12yo and I try to remember which button does what. Still a blast, but I like it less lol.
- Sackboy: A Big Adventure (PS5) – A (rather) cozy co-op experience that teaches teamwork, patience, and the occasional joyful screaming when someone accidentally gets left behind (or get hit on the head đ).
- Split Fiction â A newer one in our lineup, and a bit more story-heavy. While the kids watched, my spouse and I took turns making choices that shaped the story. It was like playing through a movieâwith commentary from our mini audience, of course.
đ The Real Wins: Connection, Communication & Confidence
Gaming together isnât just about the fun (though thatâs a big part!). Weâve found that family gaming brings in some unexpected emotional and developmental wins too:
- Teamwork: Whether it’s working together in co-op modes or just cheering each other on, gaming teaches us to communicate better, even when weâre trying to sabotage each otherâs minigame results.
- Emotional Regulation: Losing isnât always easy (especially in Mario Kart when that red/blue shell ruins everything). But we talk through frustration, practice sportsmanship, and build resilience in a safe space.
- Bonding & Belonging: It creates a special kind of magic when the whole family is gathered in one room, sharing laughs, shouting victory cries, or collectively groaning over a minigame loss. Our family grows closer with every round, and a constant reminder that we are on the same team in life.
⨠Toddler Bonus Level: Cheer Mode Unlocked!
While our toddler doesnât game yet, sheâs 100% involved. She dances to the music, imitates character voices, and shouts encouragement like, âGo go go!!â Her presence turns our game nights into a full-blown family event. And honestly? Seeing her joy reminds us that family connection isnât always about direct participationâitâs about inclusion and presence.
đ§ The Psychology Behind It
As a mental health grad student and neurodivergent parent, I see the power of play as more than just entertainment. According to research, shared leisure activities like gaming can improve parent-child relationships, enhance communication, and reduce family stress. It allows us to enter our childâs world, understand their thought process, and create shared joyâa crucial ingredient in secure attachment and emotional development.
Gaming with our child helps build trust and confidence. It opens up space for them to talk, joke, and just be without feeling scrutinized. We learn about their thought processes, their problem-solving skills, and we celebrate their cleverness in real-time.
And for neurodivergent folks like myself, gaming offers a predictable, engaging escape that helps regulate overstimulation and stress, especially when shared with loved ones who get it.
đ¤ Final Thoughts: Game On, Fam
Our family game nights may not always be quiet or calmâbut theyâre ours. Theyâre the moments our kids will remember: the chaotic laughter, the unexpected wins, and the dance parties led by our tiny cheerleader.
In a world that often moves too fast, game night slows us down just enough to play, connect, and grow together. Whether youâre a seasoned gamer parent or just thinking about picking up a controller, I invite you to hit “Start” on your own family game night.
Because in this house, we donât just play gamesâwe level up, together. Game On! đŽâ¤ď¸
đŹ How About You?
Do you game as a family? Whatâs your go-to game? Iâd love to hear your âGame Night Winsâ in the comments below! Letâs trade tips, stories, and maybe even a few blue shell betrayals. đ
