Grandma Stole My Boyfriend: The Joy of Family Game Night

Growing up, family game nights were a cornerstone of my childhood—a source of laughter, the occasional heated debate, and countless cherished memories. Now, this tradition lives on with my own kids, and one game, in particular, has taken center stage during our summers: Barbie Queen of the Prom.

For those unfamiliar, this 1961 classic is part board game, part teenage drama. The goal? To become the ultimate prom queen. But winning isn’t just about luck—you need to secure a steady boyfriend, find the perfect prom dress, and get elected president of a school club. (Because nothing screams “1960s” like these priorities, right?)

The game first entered our family when my sister received it as a birthday gift a few years ago. Since then, it’s become a must-play tradition every summer, with grandma, cousins, aunts, and even dad joining in the fun. And trust me, no one takes it lightly.

The stakes? High. The drama? Unmatched. My daughters now have their favorite boyfriends in the game—shoutout to dreamy Tom and outspoken Poindexter—and have memorized which dresses best align with their strategies. But the real hilarity starts when Grandma enters the game, effortlessly snagging boyfriends left and right, leaving a trail of heartbreak and disbelief. One summer, amidst gasps and laughter, my younger daughter cried out, “Grandma stole my boyfriend!” It’s since become a family catchphrase.

Sure, the premise of the game is a little over-the-top, but that’s part of the charm. It’s a unique blend of competition and nostalgia that bridges generations and brings us closer together. Whether you’re battling over boyfriends or celebrating your prom queen victory, Barbie Queen of the Prom is a reminder that the real prize of family game night is simply being together.

Over the years, our game collection has grown beyond Barbie’s prom shenanigans. We’ve even started a tradition of gifting my mother-in-law a new game each Christmas to enjoy during our Sunday lunches. These games have become an enduring source of laughter and connection.

If you’re looking to build or expand your own family game night, here are some of our all-time favorites: Telestrations, Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, Codenames, Ticket to Ride, Mexican Train Dominoes, Rummikub, Hive, Rubik’s Race, Qwirkle, Scattergories, Pictionary, Play Nine, Guesstures, and Randomise.

Each game brings its own unique flavor of fun, but they all share one important quality: their ability to transform any gathering into an opportunity for laughter, bonding, and memories that last a lifetime.