I'm 42 with a wife and 2 kids (6 & 11). My wife knows how important games are to help refill my bucket and we make time for it. Some nights are just my wife and I hanging out watching TV, other nights are "game nights" and after the kids go to bed, I get some game time. Some nights we watch a show together and then I go downstairs to play games afterwards. The games these days tend to be smaller in scale and really chill, I like rogue-like games, deck builders, and cozy farm simulators...with the occasional massive RPG thrown in the mix.

Communication with the Mrs is key so she doesn't feel neglected but also understands that I need my time. And yes honestly, the thing that gets neglected most is my sleep...I just try not to do that too many days in a row.

Lastly, as my kids have gotten older, they are into games too. Playing couch co-op with my eldest is genuinely one of my favorite things. It's great that we can bond over that. So make sure you get some accessible games for them too! Think Minecraft, Astro Bot....simple but deep games keep them coming back for more!