Game Changer is our monthly advice column for new GMs and older GMs who aren’t afraid to learn something. Our resident GMing expert, Brian Suskind, draws from his vat of experience to let you know how it goes.
You might recognize Brian’s name from any of a slew of past Kobold Press products such as Campaign Builder: Castles & Crowns (a homebrew kit to build out the kingdoms in your own world) and the Tales of the Valiant Monster Vault.
The Kids Are Alright
Ah, kids. Sort of like smaller versions of us who smell not unlike the third day at a game con. Maybe you’ve seen them. Maybe you have one or two. Maybe you’re collecting them like dice. Should you get them into gaming?
Heck, yeah! No notes.
Okay, that’s a lie. I have some notes.
Why Game With Kids?
I’m not going to lay out a whole list of reasons why it’s a great idea to play TTRPGs with kids, things like sharing a beloved hobby, encouraging creativity, improving problem solving skills, social development, math, teamwork, or communication skills. Instead, I’m going to give you the MOST IMPORTANT reason to get your kids into rpgs.
Presents.
Once your kids are into playing RPGs, getting them gifts becomes a breeze. Need a birthday gift? Dice! Need a Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/Diwali/Yule gift? Miniatures! Need a parental bribe? Personalized dice tray! I’m telling you it’s a blessing from the gods.
How to Get Kids into Gaming?
Presumably, your kids have been watching you play, or wondering what the heck you are doing for hours with the pretty math rocks and little figures they aren’t allowed to touch. They probably already want in.
Introduce them to gaming by running a short game for them. The rules don’t matter as much for smaller kids. Concentrate on getting them comfortable with the idea of deciding what to do and then rolling dice. You can reduce the rules down to Attack, Damage, Saves, and Skills. As they get comfortable with core mechanics, you can gradually add in the other rules.
The most important thing to get across to kids is the sheer freedom of choice in TTRPGs. They are probably used to video games where their choices are defined and limited by the requirements of the game. It’s pretty amazing to see the realization dawn on their faces that they can really do anything. Then, it’s equally fun to throw consequences at them for choosing to do dumb things.
I started running a game for my son and his friends when schools went virtual in 2020. One of the kids took the “can do anything” realization to heart and tried to mouth off to a city guard during one of the games. When the guard threw handcuffs on his character and started dragging him off to jail, I had the distinct joy of turning to his shocked face and saying, “Sure, you can DO anything, but there are always consequences. Just like real life.” It was amazing how seriously they took their actions after that!
Side note: My wife called that kids’ game my Community Service because I was running the game three days a week during COVID. Now, its five years later and we still play once a week.
How to Get Kids to Roleplay?
This is a longer discussion, but I have some suggestions. Just like adults, some kids take to roleplaying naturally, while others feel shy or reserved do it in front of others. You can encourage roleplaying by having NPCs interact with the PCs as much as possible.
Some kids might need a little prompt so after speaking as the NPC, so say something like, “How do you answer them?” They tend to be quick about getting the rhythm of it all. Remember, some kids never really settle into roleplaying. That’s okay too. I’m sure you’ve had adult players who always refer to their PC in third person and avoid speaking as their character. As long as everyone is actively participating in the game, you’re golden.
What About Kids Gaming with Adults?
This is a tricky question. Assuming your kids are old enough to play in the adult game, you might wonder how to make a smooth introduction for them. First, make really, really, REALLY sure the adults in the game actually want to play with your kid. It’s pretty hard to say “no” to a parent who wants to include their kid in an activity.
I know lots of adult gamers (especially teachers) who play TTRPGs to get away from the stresses of normal lives, which can include kids. In addition, some adults might be hesitant to say or do the (dumb-ass) things they usually say or do in the presence of your kid.
But assuming your players are all on board, and you’re bringing your kid into the “adult game,” then treat them like an adult. Heck, since your players are all probably your friends, they probably already know your kid. That will naturally make things easier.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
The adult game is the “big leagues” in terms of TTRPGs in your household. It is serious(ish). Your kid should treat it as such. They should have fun like the other players, but this isn’t time for parent-child tomfoolery.
Don’t treat your kid differently than any other adult player. That means, no helping them with decisions. Don’t soften or nerf bad results or consequences. Don’t tilt the odds for them. You know how you don’t like nepo babies in other parts of life? Don’t create it here either.
Be patient. This is a hard one. When you run the game, you’re the GM, not a parent helping your kid through a game. It can be difficult not to get frustrated if you notice your kid checking their phone, interrupting some roleplaying, getting rules wrong, or otherwise acting in ways you’d rather they didn’t act. If you’ve ever been to a formal restaurant with your kids, you know what I’m talking about.
Just remember, your adult gamers are also doing all of those annoying things from time to time, and you aren’t using your ”parent voice” with them. So don’t do it with your kid either. Take a deep breath and try to ignore it, or engage with them via an NPC or as part of the game. Later, after the game, you can mention the behavior to them. Calling them out at the table will make them feel like you are coming down on them unfairly.
At your table? I can’t be 100% sure that including your kid in your adult game is a great idea. It could be cool, it could also be problematic, or it could be both. You might try running a one-shot with everyone first to see how it goes. Then check with your adult players afterwards to see how they felt about it. I can imagine how amazing it would be to have my kids in my adult game, yet I’d worry that it might not be ideal for my other players. Take it slow, and be prepared to put on the brakes if anything goes crooked.
What Do You Think?
Have you had success with introducing kids to your game? Any war stories to tell? Let us know in the comments or over on our Discord server!
Do you have a question for the Game Changer? Tell us about it. Then check back first Friday of each month for more Game Changer!
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