Family game night on a school night: how to keep it to 30 minutes

Weekend game nights are lovely, but weekends fill up fast. A short game on a school night can be easier to repeat. The trick is to keep it short and predictable.

The 30-minute plan

• 0 to 5 minutes: Clear the table, switch off the TV, and let your child set out the game.
• 5 to 25 minutes: Play one game. Choose something that finishes in about 15 to 20 minutes.
• 25 to 30 minutes: Pack up together, then start the bedtime routine.

Choose the right game

On a school night, pick games with a clear ending. Avoid anything that can drag on or needs a long set-up. Games with simple rules mean no one has to read a rule book while the evening slips away.

Decide the time before you start

Say "we will play one game" at the beginning. Children handle an ending better when they know it is coming. If they ask for another, you can say "same time tomorrow" and mean it.

Keep homework first

Make game night the reward for finishing homework, not a competitor to it. Many families find that a fixed start time, such as 7:30 pm, removes the daily negotiation.

When it goes wrong

Some evenings, someone is tired or upset. It is fine to stop early. A short, happy game is better than a long, difficult one. Try again tomorrow.

For more ideas, read our guide on how to start a family game night and keep it going.

Keep reading