Decision-making can be challenging when you find yourself married to someone who thinks differently that you do.
Wanting my teens to grow up to have healthy, happy marriages, I gave them a taste of the challenge of husband-wife decision-making. And I wanted it to be fun.
Here is the game I came up with.
The idea is to keep it lighthearted so everyone can laugh together.
Circuit Planning Game
The game does require at least 6-10 teens with half guys and half girls.
You make a circle of chair pairs. The outer chair is empty. Each girl takes an inner chair. She will remain stationary and the guys will move girl to girl when the buzzer sounds.
Next, each teen is given the same piece of paper with four scenarios on it. Each scenario requires decision-making as a team.
Now, every guy takes a seat next to a girl. When the buzzer sounds, you will have five minutes to make a decision together. When the buzzer sounds again, the guy moves to the next girl and every team moves on to scenario two and makes the next decision together. The guys keep moving until the scenarios are finished.
Here are the scenarios.
The Scenarios
Scenario # 1 is choosing paint colors for a four bedroom, two-bath house. You have to choose different colors for each room and both people have to like the colors.
Scenario #2 requires planning a vacation together with time, financial, and relative restraints.
Scenario #3 involves the pair choosing a pet, car to share, city to live in, and form of exercise to do together each week. Both people have to be happy with the decision.
Scenario #4 necessitates planning a weekly menu (seven days, breakfast, lunch, and dinner) that is pleasing to both people.
Discussing the Game
After the game is over, it is time for discussion. We shared what was fun, what was challenging, and what they learned about decision-making as a team.
If you want to teach your teens more about marriage, I have written two high school life skills courses for young people about relationships. Both classes uses living books, mentoring time with Mom (for girls) and with Dad (for guys), Scripture study, writing assignments, and fun activities to learn more about purity, courtship, marriage, and family.
These one-credit high school courses can also be used in a classroom setting with some class times together and some separated between guys and gals.
Wanting my teens to learn about marriage in a practical way, I came up with classes for them using Scripture and living books. These Christ-centered studies made an impact on them and it is a joy to see them live out biblical principles in their lives today.
Enjoy the process of raising teenagers for the glory of God. It doesn’t have to be drudgery. You can have fun!
Until next time, Happy Homeschooling!
Merey (Meredith Ludwig Curtis)
