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 game nights!
Family game nights 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 game nights 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 Game Nights So Powerful?
Strengthening Emotional Bonds
Game nights create space for families to spend uninterrupted time together. When parents and children share moments of fun, they also build trust, emotional closeness, and a sense of belonging. Strong family bonds are one of the most important protective factors against depression, anxiety, and risky behaviors in adolescents.
Teaching Coping & Resilience
Games naturally involve challenges, setbacks, and problem-solving — all in a safe, supportive environment. Kids learn to manage frustration, handle winning and losing gracefully, and keep trying even when the odds aren’t in their favor. These skills translate into better emotional regulation and resilience in daily life.
Encouraging Open Communication
Family game nights often spark conversation — from sharing stories about the day to strategizing over the next move. Over time, this relaxed setting makes it easier for children and teens to talk openly with their parents. Consistent, positive communication is linked to lower rates of substance use and better overall mental health.
Creating Positive Family Rituals
Rituals like weekly game nights give kids a sense of predictability and stability. This routine reinforces the message that spending time together is a priority, which can reduce feelings of isolation and help young people feel anchored during stressful times.
Building Protective Factors Against Substance Use
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), strong family connections, open communication, and shared activities are protective factors that reduce the likelihood of youth experimenting with drugs or alcohol. Game nights offer a simple, enjoyable way to strengthen all three.
Tips to Make Game Night a Success
Pick games for all ages – Choose options everyone can enjoy so younger players feel included.
Rotate the “host” – Let each family member pick the game or snack for the night.
Keep it low-pressure – Focus on fun, not winning. Celebrate effort and creativity.
Limit distractions – Phones and TVs off so everyone’s fully present.
Mix it up – Alternate between board games, card games, and made-up challenges to keep it fresh.
End on a high note – Wrap up while everyone’s still having fun, so they look forward to next time.
Prevention Can Start at the Kitchen Table
You don’t need elaborate plans or expensive outings to support your family’s mental health and resilience. A deck of cards, a board game, or even a made-up game can create moments of connection that protect your kids’ well-being — and give everyone a reason to smile. So clear the table, put away the phones, and let the games begin.
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 and the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Drug and Alcohol.