by Sarah Welch and Alicia Rockmore

Take advantage of longer summer nights by setting aside a few game nights. It’s more fun than simply watching TV or disappearing into computers. Have your kids invite some friends over and get everyone in on the fun.

• For little kids play I Spy Preschool Game, Go Diego, Go, Operation: SpongeBob Edition, or a game of War with a dozen decks of cards.
• For older children bring out the Monopoly, Pictionary, Scrabble, or Gin Rummy! Teach them new games like Hearts, Hand & Foot, or Pinochle, or even Dominos! If you’ve forgotten how to play yourself, just do a quick search online and get a refresher before you start.
• Get a really large (5000 piece) puzzle and work on it during the week. Set a family goal of completing it before the end of the week. Get a large piece of cardboard to work on so it can be put away (under a sofa, etc) when you need the table space. Once it is finished, you can glue the back to the cardboard and put it up in your family room as a reminder of your teamwork.

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We are the co-founders of Buttoned Up, inc., a company dedicated to helping stretched and stressed women get themselves organized and co-authors of “Everything (almost) In Its Place.” We welcome your thoughts! Please send ideas and questions to us at: yourlife@getbuttonedup.com or visit us at www.getbuttonedup.com