The Family that Plays Together ...

Let’s be realistic – although we would like to think of our families as loving, caring, units, sometimes this is not the ultimate truth. More often than not, as families grow (and siblings marry other people), things within the family setting can become complex. Though holidays and gatherings may be strange at first, when a family starts to re-learn the art of play, the entire family dynamic can change.

What does it mean to “re-learn” how to play? Believe it or not, as we grow older the entire concept of play seems to seep from our lives bit by bit. Why is this? Bills, taxes, money, children, parents, work ... all of these things slowly zap every ounce of whimsy from our bodies. While it may be tough to combat this aging feeling, play can be re-introduced into a person’s life quite easily. Why is play necessary? Everyone needs to laugh, let loose, and enjoy one another ... even those families that may not get along at all. How can you bring together a family that is, decidedly, apart? Try pulling out your own game of Hand ‘n Foot.

At first, you may meet a bit of reluctance when you suggest a card game, but as the hours fly your family will want to play each winning team. Soon, you may notice certain features and tidbits about each family member that you did not know before – and even if you think that you dislike a person, you may find that they are not so bad after all. Can cards really have the power to do all of this? Yes. As we re-learn to play, our adult selves will start to disappear leaving room for vulnerability and charm. In the end, the family that plays together does stay together ... no matter how dissimilar you may seem at first.