How Family Game Night Helps Your Children Become Better Students

Here's a little something for parents to think about: What if homework could be all fun and games? Several studies show one way to make your child a better student is family game night. 

Just about every student wants to do better in the classroom. But instead of extra studying and more time in the library, many child psychologist say more family time can help.

Dr. Steve Sternlof mentions several benefits that come from family game night. First off, it helps develop critical thinking. With games like Monopoly or checkers, you have to strategize and plan. Unlike video games where kids are rewarded for acting on impulse.

If the game night is in a larger setting, that helps teach taking turns and being patient. This especially works well with younger kids.

Dr. Sternlof also mentions family game night can teach kids how to lose gracefully, which we must admit some of us don’t do very well. But game night isn't just about instant results it can opens doors to other areas.

"Parents who are more involved with their children's lives have more interaction with them, create more of an opportunity to have interaction, know more about their children. They know more about what makes them tick, and I think those parents are also more likely to be involved in their kids school and their children's school life," said Dr. Steve Sternlof, family health psychologist.

Dr. Sternlof also mentioned you don't have to just play a game. Eating dinner or watching a show together can also help you learn what really makes your kid tick.