The After-School
Family Games Pack
5 minutes each. No equipment. No apps. Stick this on the fridge.
Pick one. Try it today. The kids will roll their eyes. Roll yours back. The whole point of family games is the messiness, if it goes off-script in eight directions, that's the game working.
In the car
Three Things
One good, one weird, one to look forward to. The "weird" prompt unlocks everything.
The Number Lottery
Each person picks a number 1–100. Closest to the speed at the next sign wins.
Yay, Nay, Let's Stay
Read 3 statements. Kids vote yay, nay, or "could be persuaded." Window into how they think.
Two Truths, One Lie
Each share two true things and one made-up thing about their day. Others guess.
Empathy I Spy
"I spy someone who looked tired today." Shifts the spy from objects to feelings.
At the kitchen table
The Happiness Alphabet
Name things that make you happy A to Z. Easy at first, hard by Q.
Three Acts of Kindness
Did, saw, want to do. Trains kids to notice kindness, predictor of long-term wellbeing.
Mr Squiggle Gratitude
Draw a squiggle. Next person turns it into a thing and shares one gratitude.
Drawing Animals on Your Head
Paper on forehead, draw the animal called. Reveal together. Unbeatable laughter.
The Giving Scale
Rate the day 1–10. Then say what would have made it one number higher.
On the lounge floor
Weekly Celebration
Sunday ritual. Each family member names one thing to celebrate from the week.
The Set Go Clap
Circle, clap rhythm, pass "set, go, [name]" around. Drop the rhythm = sit out.
Mooooooo
Mover points + calls an animal. The named person must moo (or whatever) before they finish.
Big Body Snap
"Hands up if..." prompts. Quietly reveals what your family shares.
The Family Record
Pick something measurable. Set a record. Write it on the fridge. Beat it next weekend.