Commit Yourself to Play Each and Every Day

Busy schedules, longer work hours, sports practice, homework, dance lessons -- does this sound familiar? Growing up, do you remember a simpler time, when every night was family night? A tradition that you cherished, like spending time together with no goal in mind other than pure enjoyment of playing a game, sharing good times and just having fun.
Play of any kind should always feel like time well spent. It ought to be engaging, entertaining, personally rewarding and enormously fun. Through play, we are reminded to relax, and spend special time with loved ones and friends. Play fosters essential lifelong skills like sharing, learning to win and lose gracefully, understanding risk and rewards, and much more. It enhances our well-being and lifts our spirits, whether you are 3 or 103.We invite you to start a family tradition and rediscover the simple joy of play with the people in your life. Make a commitment to set aside a regular time each week to share a game, put together a puzzle, or just play. The traditions you start today will create a lifelong legacy of memories for your family.
5 Steps To Your New Tradition:1. Make a firm commitment. For one month have everyone agree to play games once a week. Keep this play time and stick to it! You will thank yourself as the fun becomes an anticipated part of everyone's week.2. Set the date and time. Mark your calendar for your weekly game time. Spread the word and get everyone involved. 3. Find something for everyone. Each week have one person choose a game (or puzzle) that allows everyone in the group to participate, regardless of age.4. Turn off the noise. Make a joint agreement to ignore the phone, turn off the TV, and put aside other distractions during your special time. 5. Traveling? No problem. On the road or on vacation? Choose a game and take it with you. Don't forget your camera to capture your fun memories!

Joyce says: February would be a good month to start this. Even though it is the shortest month of the year, it often feels like it will never end because we are anxious for spring to come. So make a plan to play more in February.
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