As a former dog trainer, I’ve seen firsthand how leadership and play go hand in hand. One of my favorite stories comes from a longtime park ranger who observed wolf packs over the course of his career. Of all the alpha males he tracked, the most successful—the one who led the longest and raised the healthiest pack—wasn’t the most dominant or aggressive. He was the one who played with the pups.
Let that sink in.
It turns out the best leaders don’t just bark commands or enforce structure—they bond. They build trust. They laugh.
And isn’t that the heart of parenting, too?
In our home, games aren’t just for “game night.” They’re woven into our daily rhythm. Board games, card games, outdoor football matches, dice games over pancakes—we make time to play. Not because we have time, but because it matters.
Play teaches cooperation. It gives siblings a chance to strategize, compete fairly, take turns, and giggle together. It gives parents a chance to be seen not just as the one who gives the rules, but the one who rolls the dice and gets a little too excited when they land on Park Place.
When we sit at the game table, we’re building memories—but we’re also building connection.
And maybe, just maybe, we’re becoming the kind of leaders our kids want to follow… because they know they’re loved, seen, and worth our time—even in the middle of a silly round of Sorry! or a dinosaur-themed race around a cardboard volcano.
So here’s your reminder: don’t let game night go by the wayside.
Lead your pack. Laugh with your pups. Play the game.
Raising Light 