Play has a curious way of bringing out both the childlike and the competitive in us, and I’ve discovered this truth firsthand through popular games like Uno and Exploding Kittens and 5 Minute Dungeon. Can you imagine this? Growing up, I don’t think I ever quite found my groove with play. My theory is that, as an only child, I lacked a constant playmate, so I played on my own! (And sometimes with neighbors and school friends, of course!) But then, as I grew older, school and career took precedence. I was always the serious one, always working – a trait with its merits, but not exactly conducive to letting loose!

A Family’s Love for Games Sparks a New Chapter

Now, in mid-life, I’ve decided to have a second childhood and wholeheatedly embrace more play with my family! This newfound journey into playfulness started with my sons, who love card games like Exploding Kittens – and the multitude of ‘expansion packs’ that can be obtained to enhance game play. Their sheer enthusiasm drew me in, albeit reluctantly at first! The name alone was enough to raise eyebrows! It seemed like just a silly and disrespectful game with its wacky concept! Yet this absurdly titled game has unlocked new opportunities for connection, laughter, and even a little self-discovery, if I’m honest.

The Lure of Exploding Kittens

If you’re unfamiliar with Exploding Kittens, it’s a chaotic, humorous card game with just the right mix of strategy and mischief. Each card has unique powers, and though the rules are simple, the gameplay is full of surprises. At first, the rules and strategies hurt my brain! I’d forget everything between games and felt out of my depth amidst the boys’ quick thinking and endless energy. But as we played more during the holidays, I began to catch on. I still haven’t won (yet!), but I’ve found joy in the shared laughter, inside jokes, and yes, the occasional “cheating” alliances that spring up during play.

Exploding Kittens

The Power of Play: Building Connections Through Laughter

One thing that stands out is how these games foster connection. As Priya Parker highlights in The Art of Gathering, intentional activities create spaces where we can truly bond. Games like Exploding Kittens aren’t just about winning; they’re about the rituals, the hilarity and the lingering post-game conversations. After a session of playing, my boys often stay up dissecting the game’s strategies or dreaming up their own card game concepts – a reminder of the enduring magic of shared experiences.

The Neuroscience of Play and Its Impact on Relationships

The science backs it up, too. Play activates our brain’s reward systems, boosts creativity and deepens social bonds. It requires focus, fosters teamwork (or gleeful rivalry!), and generates laughter – one of the most potent tools for connection. For families, playing together transcends age and interests, creating moments of shared joy that linger far beyond the game table.

Play is more than just a way to pass time. According to Stuart Brown in Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul (read our book review HERE), play activates neural pathways related to joy and problem-solving. It releases endorphins that reduce stress and enhance happiness while boosting oxytocin, the “bonding hormone,” which fosters trust between participants. Connection.

When families play together, roles and hierarchies fade, creating space for cooperation, creativity, and intimacy. Dr. Brown notes that play promotes openness and flexibility in relationships, helping families connect in ways that everyday life doesn’t always allow.

Interestingly, play isn’t just for kids. Who would have thought it?! Adults who regularly engage in playful activities report higher levels of happiness, creativity and emotional resilience. Studies, like those from the National Institute for Play (https://nifplay.org/), suggest that prioritizing play can even improve cognitive functioning.

The Lifelong Importance of Play in Families

Research backs up the benefits of family playtime. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Family Theory & Review (https://www.ncfr.org/jftr) found that families who play together have stronger bonds and better communication. Structured games like card or board games foster problem-solving, while unstructured play boosts creativity and emotional expression.

The American Psychological Association (https://www.apa.org) highlights how play serves as a mental break from daily stressors, giving our brains a chance to reset. For families, this shared stress relief creates positive memories that buffer against future conflicts.

Play as a Tool for Connection and Empathy

Games that require teamwork, like Exploding Kittens, promote empathy by encouraging players to anticipate each other’s moves and work toward a common goal. Even if it is the kids trying to make the parents lose. These interactions strengthen interpersonal relationships by fostering understanding and mutual respect.

A Takeaway: Play is Essential for Well-being

As Stuart Brown eloquently writes, “The opposite of play is not work—it’s depression.” Play keeps our minds sharp, our hearts light and our relationships thriving. So, the next time you gather your family for a game night, remember that you’re investing in emotional well-being and creating bonds that last a lifetime.

If you’d like to explore more about play’s transformative power, Play: How It Shapes the Brain is an inspiring read that uncovers its lifelong importance for individuals and families alike. Here’s our Book Review: CLICK HERE to read.

Why Every Family Needs a Tea & Tactics Card Challenge Tea Party

If you’re a family looking for a lighthearted yet strategic activity, we wholeheartedly recommend giving Exploding Kittens a try. It’s easy to learn but rich in hilarity, with clever cards like the “Cattermelon”, the “Nope” card, the “God Cat” card and a chaotic mix of strategy and luck. We’ve explored various ‘core packs’ and ‘expansion packs’, from “Zombie Kittens” to “Imploding Kittens” and “Good vs Evil” each adding its own twist of absurdity and opportunity for strategising. Here’s a couple, so you recognise them when you see them! Each can be purchased from Amazon, as you might imagine!

Whether you’re a seasoned player of games or a complete newbie, this suite of Exploding Kittens games guarantees laughter, strategy and memorable moments. Perhaps not what you would imagine you might find on the pages of Tea Party Girl, but no one can accuse us of not being open minded!

Ready to dive into family fun? Grab your deck of Exploding Kittens (or your own favorite tabletop game) and check out our article on Tea & Tactics Card Challenge Tea Party: A Family Fun Night with Tea & Treats for a tea and accompaniments menu! Gather your loved ones, brew some tea and let the hilarity begin!

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