This story is shared with the parents’ permission. The children’s names have been changed at their request.
During the creation of Adventuring Family, we invited relatives, friends, and parents who were visiting therapy sessions to playtest small stories and adventures. Their feedback helped us understand what worked, what didn’t, and how we could improve the game. This is a story that we are allowed to post as the family involved are relatives. It will only be published here with permission, as Wally is our editor.
Some context. This takes place in 2021 when we were still playtesting. The purpose of the “quest” was to test child school preparation and homework implementation. The 2 girls “Anna (5) & Maria (7)” would use their 2 princesses (they used the Knight statblock as it was the only one completed by then). Anna had a poem reading end-of-year school activity and as it would be her first time speaking in front of an audience, her father was worried whether she might experience stage fright.
The story was simple. The princesses would go to the “fun fair” a bit outside the town. On the road, they would meet a caravan of actors and be invited to help the main actor by showcasing their preformance skills, as he has a case of stage fright. Afterwards they would all go to the fair together and celebrate.
They started with the parent-GM asking them to draw what they expect to be in the fun fair. After explaining the drawn attractions and having formed a plan for what sweets to give them after the game, he then described the road to the fair and proceeded with the encounter with the caravan. Anna was shy to have any interactions initially, but Maria took over and agreed to help the acting group. This was a small worrying sign for the father. He then asked Anna if she would like to help, by reciting the poem she was preparing for school. Anna did not just recited it, she put on a full on performance with dancing at the end. That practically helped them fast forward the story and then they got cupcakes as a reward. It took them around 30 minutes total (as far as they remembered).
This experience gave the insight to the parent to send Anna, after a year that she became 6 years old, for some acting lessons for kids to see if she has an interest in performing, singing etc. Unfortunately she had none and they gave up after 6 months, but at least they tried it.
The purpose of playing TTRPGs, or any play-pretend game with your children is more than just spending time with them. You create a connection that will lead you to understand them better and maybe it will even unlock some hidden potentials. These activities can lead to something even becoming a hobby for them (like playing a musical instrument) and gain an extra skill in life.
I hope our experience helps you overcome any fear you may have for playing TTRPGs with your children. Give it a shot!
Nikos Kyriakoudis is a Learning & Development specialist and the creator of Adventuring Family TTRPG. He is passionate about using storytelling and games to help people learn, connect, and grow.
