How to Create a Family Night Rhythm

Learn how to create a family night with these helpful tips!

Creating a regular family night is an incredible rhythm that will be a blessing to your family.  Whether it is game night or movie night or something else, having this rhythm helps families to connect and grow together. 

However, it can be a struggle to create this regular routine in our homes. It seems the older kids get, the harder it is for all of the schedules to align. 

Does this mean we forget the idea of family nights? No, we can still make it work! It just takes some adjusting. 

Get the free family conversation cards to use during your next family night! Download here!

Tips for Having a Family Night

1. Decide how often and what day it will be.

We like to have our family night on a weekly basis, keyword being like. I strongly encourage at least once a month. Sometimes, we may have to say no to some things and cut back a little. Once you decide on the frequency, set a date, and put it in the calendar!

Something that helps is to look at the month at a view to schedule out family time. Another idea is to take time every week to sit down and look at the week ahead and then pick a time. 

2. Guard this night.

Once you have the date on the calendar, protect it. If you do not protect the time, it will easily get filled with other things. 

This will mean you have to say no to things. Sometimes you will even have to say no to good things. Remember, that is okay and you need to be investing in your family unit. 

3. Make it special and fun.

Some practical ideas are: create your own pizza night, have a special dessert, read a book as a family, play games together, let one of your children plan the night (take turns each time), build with blocks, and play their favorite game or toy, watch a movie, etc. We have loved using Heroes of the Bible, Family Moments, and Intentional Family Guides as fun ways to implement truth with fun. 

4. Technology-free zone.

During your family night, put the phones away. As parents, we can set an example for our kids and give each other attention. When you start with this habit, it will become natural.

5. It does not have to be in the evening. 

Yes, this article is all about having a family night but the key is having family time together. Depending on your family’s unique circumstances, this may mean that you have a family morning, or an afternoon together. Let go of thinking this has to be in the evening. 

There are some times when we do a family outing in the afternoon. That is our family time. It does not matter what time of day you do this, the point is that you are carving out time together.

Before we head into the tips, let me share a little honesty with you.  

Our family nights always have someone crying. There is usually an argument about who gets to be first. During one season, I would be nursing our youngest while we attempted to play a family guide. Family nights do not equal perfect moments. Instead, they are beautifully imperfect moments.

Are you ready to create your own family night tradition? 

You can do it! Get a date on the calendar and start slow with low expectations and an open heart. When we are consistent, there will be fruit. Make sure to grab the free conversation cards to use as you get started!

Need a great resource?

Check out the Intentional Family Night Guides. These come out monthly and provide you with a plan to connect, grow, and serve as a family! 

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