Family Game Night: A Simple Way to Prevent Substance Use in Kids

In a world filled with busy schedules, digital distractions, and increasing pressure on youth and teens, families are looking for ways to spend quality time together. One powerful and fun solution? Family Meetings.

Family meetings help children to feel a sense of belonging and importance, offers parents a way to share values and provides families with a space to learn and practice listening and problem solving skills.

 Connection Is Prevention

Family meetings help to create connection. It is an easy way to build trust, strengthen relationships, and open the door to meaningful conversations—that give all families a chance to share their thoughts.

When a child feels seen, heard, and supported, they’re more likely to make healthy choices and come to you when facing peer pressure or challenges.

What Makes Family Meetings So Powerful?

• They build communication.
  Regular meetings offer a safe space to talk about anything—whether it’s school struggles, peer relationships, or family issues. The more open the conversation, the more comfortable your kids will be sharing with you.

• They strengthen relationships.
  Family meetings send a clear message: You matter. Spending time together and talking things out is important, and it shows your kids that their opinions count.

• They model healthy coping.
  Rather than turning to unhealthy habits to deal with stress, family meetings create an environment where everyone can share and solve problems together.

• They improve decision-making.
  Family meetings are a great time to talk through tough choices, role-play scenarios, and teach your kids how to make thoughtful decisions when facing pressure.

Tips to Make Game Night a Success

• Set a regular time. Pick a consistent day and time, like Sunday evenings or Thursday afternoons, and stick to it.

• Have fun!  Begin with compliments or a game such as High Lo Buffalo.

• Establish ground rules—no put downs, everyone is listened to, respect each other’s opinions.

• Let everyone have a say. Encourage each family member to share something they'd like to talk about, whether it's a school challenge or a new idea.

• Keep it positive. Use meetings to celebrate wins, discuss challenges supportively, and promote problem-solving.

• Limit distractions. Turn off phones and TV to keep everyone focused and engaged.

• Talk about healthy choices. Discuss important topics like peer pressure and stress management in a casual, open way.  Share about vacations, plan weekly schedules, and share about important events.

Prevention Can Start at the Kitchen Table

Research shows that kids who feel close to their families are significantly less likely to use alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs. Family meetings are more than just a chance to chat—they are a foundation for building strong communication, mutual respect, and healthy family values. These meetings are moments to model emotional support, teach problem-solving, and show that your home is a safe space—something every child needs as they navigate life’s challenges and tough decisions.

At Child Guidance Resource Centers, we believe prevention starts with connection. Want more ideas to strengthen your family’s protective factors? Visit our program page https://www.cgrc.org/atod or contact us to join a parent workshop today.

ATOD Prevention is coordinated by Child Guidance Resource Centers and funded by the Delaware County Department of Human Services, Office of Drug and Alcohol.