If you’re a parent who loves rolling dice and spinning yarns, chances are you’re itching to share that passion with your kids. But keeping the little ones engaged in a game that can sometimes feel like a marathon isn’t always easy. Fear not! I’ve got five tips (plus a bonus one) to help you turn your family game night into an epic adventure for you AND your kids.
1. Make Room for Them to Talk
You’re in the middle of an intense discussion about how to sneak past the sleeping dragon, and your kid is practically bursting with ideas. But in a room full of enthusiastic adults, it’s easy for younger players to feel intimidated or too polite to interrupt. As the GM, it’s your job to create space for them to shine!
- Directly ask for their input during group discussions
- Have a pre-game chat to encourage them to speak up
- Remind the whole party that everyone’s ideas are valuable
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2. Keep Things Moving
Nothing kills the vibe faster than getting bogged down in rule debates or endless combat rounds. To keep your young adventurers from zoning out:
- Have a friendly chat with the party rules lawyer before the game
- Look for alternative combat rules to speed things up (like side initiative)
- When in doubt, make a ruling and keep the story flowing!
3. Focus on Action, Not Just Roleplay
Kids thrive on physical engagement, so give them plenty of chances to roll those dice!
- Incorporate more ability checks and combat scenarios
- Use roleplay moments as teaching opportunities
- Offer prompts and guidance to help them get comfortable in character
4. Shorter Sessions for the Win
I know, I know – we adults could play until the wee hours of the morning. But for kids, a 5-hour session can feel like an eternity. Keep it fun by keeping it brief:
- Aim for shorter play times (2-3 hours max)
- Have a flexible end point in mind
- Pay attention to energy levels and be ready to wrap up early if needed
5. Make Their Character Essential
Nothing’s worse than feeling like a sidekick in your own adventure. Make sure your young player’s character has:
- A backstory that ties into the main plot
- Unique skills or knowledge that the party needs
- Moments to shine and impact the story’s outcome
Bonus Tip: Level Up Your Roleplay!
Want to know a secret? Kids LOVE it when we adults get a little goofy. So don’t be afraid to:
- Use silly voices for NPCs and monsters
- Get animated with your descriptions
- Embrace the occasional dad joke (they’ll groan, but they’ll love it)
Remember, at the end of the day, it’s all about having fun together. So grab those character sheets, gather ’round the table, and let the family adventures begin!
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