Pick one tiny game

Keep it short enough that nobody needs to protect their energy from it.

  • Two truths and one silly thing
  • Draw each other's day using only five lines
  • Snack taste test
  • One-song dance break
  • High-low-weird
  • Build the tallest cup tower
  • Would-you-rather lightning round
  • Take a ten-minute walk
  • Choose tomorrow's car song
  • Tell a story one sentence at a time

Follow the child's temperature

Some children reconnect through movement, some through food, some through quiet proximity. A child who needs silence after school is still connecting when you sit nearby without questions.

Stop while it is still fun

A ten-minute ritual stays inviting because it has an ending. You can always continue when everyone wants to.