Game Night Is a Relationship Ritual (Not a Performance)
In this community, we’re not chasing “perfect family game night.” We’re building a repeatable connection ritual, a small moment where a child feels: I belong. I’m seen. I can try. I can mess up. I can come back. That’s the power of play: low stakes + high feedback. It gives kids (and us) a safe place to practice turn-taking, self-regulation, and repair, without the pressure of being “good at it.” Here’s the Connected Through Play Ritual: 1) Invitation (10 seconds) “Want to play one round with me?” Not “Let’s do game night.” Just one round. 2) Connection rule (one sentence) Pick one before you start: - “We cheer effort.” - “We try again.” - “We help without taking over.” - “We can pause if it’s too much.” 3) Repair line (when it gets spicy) “I’m with you. Do you want a reset, a hint, or a different game?” That question protects dignity and keeps the relationship intact. Mini-Challenge (tonight or this week): Try one round + one connection rule. Then come back and comment: What did your family need most, more laughter, more calm, or more cooperation? Bonus: Tell us which connection rule you chose.