Its All Fun And Games

I was fortunate enough to grow up in a family that enjoyed playing games. Some of my earliest memories are of my parents playing cards with friends and family. My parents were not drinkers, so there was never that adult only party of neighbors trying to one up the others in conversation while the kids were locked away in the rooms. Instead, they would all play a game of cards around the dining room table while us kids would play games of our own or sit and watch them play. The only time I ever heard my grandmother swear was when she was playing cards. These games did more than just provide an evening of entertainment. They taught us social skills. They taught us how to be gracious losers and humble winners. They taught us the art of competition in a fun environment. They also meant that we were able to, as a family, be involved in each other's lives. We knew what was going on with the others. Far too many families have lost that connection. They get so involved in working and finding a way to rid stress themselves, that they forget the others in the family. There is no need to spend hundreds of dollars on lavish vacations that are meant to bring the family together. Simply take a stroll down the games aisle and pick up one. There are games for all age groups. And if you can't find one that the whole family likes, take turns each week playing one person's pick, then the next week another pick. Milton Bradley has given you the tools to build that bond with your family. All you have to do is use them. I hate when I hear or see families drift apart because they have simply got so caught up their individual lives. Dedicate one hour one night a week to begin with. I will bet dollars to doughnuts that within a few weeks, that hour stretches and the family looks forward to that time. So have fun. Be together, and of course, Love to all.

Burly Bear Chris.