Video Games: A prescription for your family.

When families come into my office and tell me they’re struggling to connect—especially with their teens—they often assume the solution has to be something deep, heavy, or structured. But sometimes the best way to rebuild connection isn’t through long talks or perfect family dinners. Sometimes the answer is something much simpler:

Play together.

And for today’s families, one of the easiest, most accessible forms of play is video games.

Now, before you sigh, cringe, or imagine your teen glued to a screen ignoring you, hear me out. Video games can be a powerful way to create authentic connection, lower emotional defenses, and build a family culture of shared joy. They offer something that’s hard to get in our stress-heavy, over-scheduled lives: fun, teamwork, laughter, and moments where everyone gets to just be together without pressure.

Families often tell me they want bonding—just not awkward, forced bonding. Video games solve that problem beautifully. They give everyone a shared purpose, a shared environment, and yes, plenty of shared chaos. That combination builds connection in ways that feel natural instead of forced.

Today, I’m sharing the best video games for families to play together, and why each one supports emotional closeness, communication, and relational health.

But first, let’s talk about why gaming works so well for family relationships—even when it looks like “just screens.”

Why Video Games Actually Strengthen Family Bonds

If you were raised with the message that video games are isolating or bad for kids, this might feel surprising. But modern research—and decades of watching families in real life—says otherwise. Here’s why gaming actually helps families grow stronger:

1. Shared Play = Shared Connection

Humans bond through shared experiences, especially positive ones. When you play together, you build memories, inside jokes, and little moments of “us against the world.” These micro-memories add up and create relational glue.

2. It Lowers Emotional Defenses

Kids and teens often communicate best when the focus isn’t directly on them. Video games give families a way to talk, collaborate, and interact without the intensity of face-to-face conversations. It’s connection through parallel play—which is often exactly what young people need.

3. It Levels the Playing Field

Your child might beat you. They might teach you something. They might be the leader. That shift in power dynamics is incredibly validating for kids—especially those who feel unheard or misunderstood in daily life.

4. It Creates Emotional Regulation Practice

Games naturally offer moments of frustration, problem-solving, and teamwork. When parents model calm, humor, and resilience during those moments, kids learn emotional regulation in a context that feels safe and fun.

5. Most Importantly: It Creates Joy

Families need joy. Not just survival. Joy creates safety. Safety creates trust. Trust creates better communication—inside and outside the game.

With all that said, here are the best video games I recommend for real, meaningful family bonding.

1. “Overcooked! 2” — For Teamwork, Chaos, and Laughter

If you want a game that will have everyone yelling, laughing, and working together (sometimes badly, always hilariously), this is your game.

You run a kitchen together making dishes under pure chaos: floating platforms, kitchen fires, conveyor belts, collapsing floors. It’s absolutely ridiculous—and incredibly fun.

Why it builds bonding:

• You have to communicate clearly

• You have to rely on each other

• Things will go wrong (this is good!)

• Laughter breaks tension and creates emotional closeness

If your family tends to get stuck in patterns of frustration or conflict, this game is a playful way to practice handling stress together with humor instead of anger.

2. “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” — For Light-Hearted Competition

Mario Kart is the perfect family game because everyone can play, even if they’re terrible. The items and boosts level the playing field, and honestly, half the fun is watching someone get launched off the track or mysteriously yeeted into last place.

Why it builds connection:

• Great for quick, low-pressure sessions

• Encourages playful competition

• Easy for kids, nostalgic for adults

• Creates silly, joyful shared memories

Tip: If competition gets too heated in your family, do team mode—parents vs. kids is always a hit.

3. “Minecraft” — For Creativity, Exploration, and Calm Connection

Minecraft is the perfect bonding game for families who don't want intense action but do want to build something together. Think of it like digital Legos… but with monsters, caves, villages, and endless creativity.

Why it builds connection:

• Non-competitive, calming, and creative

• Kids often become the “experts,” which builds confidence

• Parallel play encourages quiet, comfortable interaction

• Perfect for anxious kids and introverted teens

Some of the best conversations happen while building a virtual house or exploring a cave system—it's low pressure, natural, and bonding without forcing connection.

4. “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” — For Calm, Cozy Time Together

If your family needs something soothing instead of chaotic, Animal Crossing is basically therapy on a tropical island. You decorate your home, talk to sweet animal neighbors, catch bugs, fish, craft furniture, and visit each other’s islands.

Why it builds connection:

• Peaceful and regulation-friendly

• Encourages sharing and collaboration

• Zero pressure, zero time limits

• Perfect for mixed-age families

This is also great for families rebuilding connection after stressful periods—it's gentle, relaxing, and emotionally safe.

5. “It Takes Two” — For Deep Cooperation and Trust-Building

This game is stunning—not just visually, but emotionally. It requires two players to solve creative puzzles together. You literally cannot progress unless you cooperate.

Why it builds connection:

• Forces teamwork in a playful, supportive way

• Builds trust, patience, and collaboration

• Great for parent-teen pairs

• Funny, touching, and deeply creative

This game is incredible for rebuilding connection with a teen who has grown distant—it gives you shared accomplishments without forcing heavy conversation.

6. “Just Dance” — For Movement, Joy, and Emotional Release

If your family needs to burn off stress or shake off a bad day, Just Dance is the perfect antidote. It’s goofy, active, and impossible not to smile at.

Why it builds connection:

• Releases stress through movement

• Encourages silliness

• Great for mood regulation

• Helps families “reset” on tough days

Plus, watching each other dance is its own special bonding experience.

7. LEGO Games — For Cooperative Play With Zero Stress

LEGO video games (Star Wars, Marvel, Harry Potter, Jurassic World, etc.) are designed to be fun, easy, and forgiving. You solve puzzles, explore worlds, collect items, and laugh at the silly, charming cutscenes.

Why it builds connection:

• Impossible to “fail”

• Low frustration, high fun

• Perfect for kids who get overwhelmed easily

• Great for parents who want something simple and relaxing

These games turn teamwork into something light and enjoyable—not stressful.

How to Use Video Games Intentionally for Bonding

Here’s where the therapy part comes in. The game isn’t the intervention—it’s how you use it.

1. Keep the goal simple: enjoy each other

Say it out loud:
“This is just for fun. Nobody has to be good at it.”

Relieves pressure instantly.

2. Let kids lead

Let them teach you.
Let them pick the game.
Let them be the expert.

Kids feel powerful, capable, and valued.

3. Celebrate mistakes

Laugh at them.
Normalize them.
Use them as bonding moments, not failure moments.

This models emotional resilience.

4. End while it’s still fun

Don’t wait for someone to get cranky or overstimulated.
Especially with younger kids or neurodivergent kids, timing matters.

5. Use small moments to connect

After playing, ask things like:
“What was your favorite part?”
“What did we do well together?”
“What should we try next time?”

Light questions. No pressure. Just connection.

Final Thoughts: Play Is Not a Luxury — It’s a Bonding Tool

Families are overwhelmed, stretched thin, and often operating in survival mode. Video games may seem like “just entertainment,” but they can be a powerful, healing way to reconnect, laugh, and rebuild closeness.

Play creates safety.
Safety creates trust.
Trust creates connection.
Connection supports mental health—for everyone in the family.

So go ahead: pick up the controllers, embrace the chaos, and let yourselves have fun together.

Your family doesn’t need perfection.
You don’t need the right words.
You just need shared joy—and video games are a wonderful place to start.

How To Strengthen Your Relationship With Your Teen

By Carla Hilderbrand, LICSWA, SUDPT / Clinical Social Worker

The teen years can be some of the hardest — and also the most rewarding — for parents. It’s the stage when we can finally have real conversations and begin letting our kids make more of their own choices. But it’s also when they start pushing back, pulling away, and sometimes drifting from the dreams and goals we had for them.

As a therapist who works with teens and parents, I often hear one big question: “How can I stay connected to my teenager without constant conflict?”

The good news is that even when your teen acts like they don’t need you, they still deeply want your connection. The parent-teen relationship naturally changes during adolescence, but it doesn’t have to weaken. With a few intentional shifts, you can create a relationship built on trust, empathy, and open communication — one that lasts well beyond the teenage years.

1. Listen More Than You Lecture

If you take just one thing away from this article about how to connect with your teen, make it this: your teen needs you to listen, not lecture.

One of the biggest mistakes parents make (with the best intentions!) is trying to fix instead of understand. Teens shut down quickly when every talk feels like a critique or life lesson.

Remember, what we might see as “teen drama” is their real life. If they’re upset because a friend turned on them, it matters — and they need you to care about it too.

When your teen opens up, try reflecting what you hear instead of jumping into problem-solving. You might say:

• “That sounds really hard. I’m sorry that happened.”

• “I can totally see why you’d feel that way.”

• “What do you think might help?”

These validating responses help your teen feel heard, respected, and safe — which builds trust and improves communication. Ironically, when they feel understood, they’re much more likely to listen to you later.

2. Respect Their Need for Independence

Your teen’s growing independence isn’t rebellion — it’s part of healthy development. The teenage years are when they start figuring out who they are and what they believe.

As parents, our role shifts from managing every detail to supporting their autonomy while still setting clear boundaries. Encourage decision-making, allow natural consequences, and show that you trust their ability to handle challenges.

Try saying things like:

“Honestly, this would be hard for me to manage as an adult. How can I support you in figuring it out?”

Respecting your teen’s independence sends the message, “I believe in you.” That belief helps strengthen your relationship and boosts their self-confidence.

3. Connect on Their Terms

When your kids were little, connection came naturally — bedtime stories, playgrounds, family movie nights. But as they grow into teenagers, connecting takes more intentional effort.

To improve your relationship with your teen, try meeting them where they are. You can’t always expect them to engage on your terms — instead, step into their world.

• Play a video game with them.

• Watch their favorite show (even if it’s not your thing).

• Go for a drive or grab coffee together.

• Let them talk about their interests — and actually listen.

Teens often open up when they’re doing something side-by-side, not sitting face-to-face. Even ten minutes of genuine, positive attention can make a big difference. What matters most is that your teen feels, “My parent enjoys being with me.”

4. Regulate Your Own Emotions

When your teen yells, shuts down, or acts defiant, it’s easy to take it personally. But your calm presence is one of the most powerful ways to support your teen’s emotional health.

Take a breath before reacting. If you need a minute, say so:

“I need to calm down before we keep talking about this.”

Modeling emotional regulation shows your teen how to manage their own feelings. And if you lose your temper, repair it afterward:

“I’m sorry I got upset earlier. That wasn’t fair to you. Can we try again?”

Repairing after conflict helps rebuild trust and reminds your teen that relationships can survive tough moments.

5. Set Boundaries with Empathy

Healthy boundaries aren’t punishments — they’re a form of love. Teens might push back, but consistent limits help them feel secure and cared for.

The key is empathy and collaboration. Explain the why behind your rules and include them in finding solutions.

Instead of:

“You’re not allowed to go out on school nights.”

Try:

“I’m worried about how you’ll get enough sleep when you’ve got practice, homework, and need to wake up early. How do you think that could work?”

When your teen feels included in decision-making, they’re more likely to respect the rules — and more likely to come to you when they make a mistake.

6. Focus on Connection Over Control

When things get tense, it’s easy to focus on control — who’s right, who’s in charge, who wins the argument. But control often comes at the expense of connection.

Before reacting, pause and ask yourself:

“Am I trying to control this situation, or connect with my teen?”

Choosing connection doesn’t mean being permissive. It means leading with empathy and keeping the relationship at the center of your parenting. Teens who feel connected to their parents are less likely to engage in risky behavior and more likely to communicate honestly.

7. Support Their Passions and Interests

One of the simplest ways to improve communication with your teen is to show real interest in what they care about. Whether it’s gaming, music, sports, art, or fashion — your curiosity tells them, “You matter to me.”

Let them take control of the car playlist (and don’t complain about their music). Ask them to teach you a game, or show you a project they’re proud of. You don’t need to understand every detail — your genuine interest is enough.

This kind of encouragement helps your teen build confidence and feel safe expressing who they are, both inside and outside your home.

8. Choose Your Battles

Not every disagreement needs to become a fight. Before you jump in, ask yourself:

• Is this about safety or preference?

• Will this matter in a year?

• Am I reacting out of fear or what’s best for them?

Save your energy for what truly matters — safety, respect, and well-being. Letting go of smaller issues (like messy rooms or funky hairstyles) can reduce tension and keep your relationship strong.

9. Keep Showing Up, Even When They Push You Away

This one might be the hardest. Teens send mixed signals — they crave independence but still need emotional security. Even when they act like they don’t want you around, your consistency matters.

Keep showing up in small ways:

• Send a “good luck” text before a test.

• Leave a snack or note when they’re studying late.

• Say goodnight, even if they barely acknowledge it.

These tiny gestures remind your teen that your love doesn’t disappear when things get tough.

10. Always Have Their Back

Your teen is going to make mistakes — it’s part of growing up. What matters is how you respond.

In my house, we have a rule: “If you tell me before I hear about it from someone else, I’ll be way less upset.” That doesn’t mean I’ll excuse bad choices, but it does mean I’ll listen first — and stand up for them when it’s fair.

And one more important piece: don’t gossip about your teen’s mistakes. When they hear you talking about them to other parents, it breaks trust. Protect their privacy when you can — it teaches them that your relationship is a safe place.

A Final Thought

The teenage years can test even the strongest parent-child relationship, but they also bring incredible opportunities for growth. The goal isn’t to avoid conflict or make your teen happy all the time — it’s to build a relationship based on trust, empathy, and respect.

When parents learn to listen with understanding, set boundaries with compassion, and show up with consistency, the connection doesn’t just survive — it thrives.

If you’re struggling to connect with your teen or find yourself in constant conflict, therapy can help. Family or parent-focused sessions can give you tools for communication, boundary-setting, and emotional balance — all within a safe, supportive environment.

You don’t have to navigate this season alone. Healing, growth, and stronger connection are always possible — for both you and your teen.

Carla Hilderbrand, LICSWA, SUDPT
Clinical Social Worker – Helping teens and parents build stronger, more connected relationships.