Did you know family games for healing grief can be a powerful way to bring joy and communication back into your home after the loss of a loved one?
As a counselor, I see every day how grieving the loss of a loved one is an incredibly challenging process. Individuals within families often report feeling disconnected and overwhelmed by their sadness. Consequently, finding ways to reconnect, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company can be crucial in navigating through such difficult times.
Games, beyond their entertainment value, can offer a much-needed respite and serve as a therapeutic tool in the healing process. They have the power to bring joy and communication back into your home, making them an ideal choice for families navigating through grief.
Today, I’ll explore the seven best family games available on Amazon. In addition, I’ll explain how evidence-based psychology supports the ways in which playing these games can help you heal from loss.
Power of Playing Family Games for Healing Grief
Psychologists have long recognized the therapeutic benefits of play. According to Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play, engaging in playful activities can reduce stress, improve brain function, and strengthen relationships. Playful interactions can also enhance emotional resilience, providing a safe space for expressing and processing emotions. In the context of grief, these benefits can be particularly profound, helping family members to bond, find joy, and support each other through their shared loss.
Top Family Games for Healing Grief
1. Ticket to Ride
Summary: This strategy game involves building train routes across North America, challenging players to connect cities and complete routes. It’s engaging and easy to learn, making it suitable for all ages.
Psychological Benefits: Strategic games like Ticket to Ride encourage cognitive engagement and provide a sense of accomplishment. Working together to complete routes fosters teamwork and cooperation, which can strengthen family bonds and provide a sense of unity during a time of loss.
2. Trekking the National Parks
Summary: Players journey through U.S. national parks, learning about wildlife and conservation efforts while completing various challenges. The game’s dynamic nature ensures each playthrough is unique.
Psychological Benefits: This game combines education with play, stimulating curiosity and learning. Discussing parks and wildlife can evoke positive memories and create new shared experiences, helping family members connect over common interests.
3. Exploding Kittens
Summary: A fast-paced card game where players try to avoid drawing the “exploding kitten” card. It’s humorous and easy to play, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
Psychological Benefits: Laughter is a powerful tool for reducing stress and improving mood. Exploding Kittens’ humorous nature can lighten the atmosphere, making it easier for family members to express emotions and bond through shared fun.
4. What Do You Meme? Family Edition
Summary: Players create funny memes by pairing caption cards with photo cards, aiming to make the funniest combination. The game is creative and appeals to a wide range of ages.
Psychological Benefits: Creativity and humor can facilitate emotional expression and connection. Creating and sharing memes can foster open communication and help family members support each other in a lighthearted setting.
5. Throw Throw Burrito
Summary: Combining elements of dodgeball and card games, players try to match cards while throwing soft burritos at each other. It’s energetic and full of laughs.
Psychological Benefits: Physical activity can reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. The playful and active nature of Throw Throw Burrito provides a physical outlet for emotions, helping to alleviate stress and strengthen family bonds through energetic interactions (Parents).
6. Just One
Summary: A cooperative word game where players give one-word clues to help a teammate guess a mystery word. It’s simple yet challenging and encourages teamwork.
Psychological Benefits: Just One encourages open communication and cooperation, essential elements in building strong family connections. Working together to find the right clues helps improve understanding and empathy among family members, which is crucial for emotional healing during grief .
7. Telestrations
Summary: A game combining drawing and guessing, similar to “Telephone,” where players draw and pass along their interpretations, resulting in funny and surprising outcomes.
Psychological Benefits: Telestrations promote communication and creativity, encouraging laughter and breaking down emotional barriers. It helps family members connect and support each other through shared fun and creative expression.
Conclusion
Incorporating games into family time can be a powerful way to reconnect, find joy, and support each other through the grieving process. Each of these games offers unique benefits, from fostering teamwork and creativity to providing physical outlets for emotions. By creating moments of laughter and connection, families can navigate their grief together, finding strength and resilience in their shared experiences. Whether it’s through strategy, humor, or creativity, these games provide a pathway to healing, one play at a time.
Blessings until next time.