Let’s face it: being stuck in a long line at the DMV or waiting for jury duty can be painfully dull. You might have already scrolled through your usual social media apps, and if you have a teen who’s glued to their phone, why not spark some fun? Texting games can turn boredom into laughter and strengthen your connection with your child. It’s no secret that teens often favor their devices over family interactions, but tapping into that interest can create a bridge between you and your growing adolescent.
Though you might not be playing tag or hide-and-seek anymore, there are plenty of lighthearted games to enjoy over text. Here are ten exciting texting games that are bound to keep both you and your teen entertained for hours.
1. The Name Game
You may have played this in school or as a party game, but it adapts well to texting too. Choose a category like “movies,” and take turns naming titles. The catch? Each new name must start with the last letter of the previous one. For instance, if you text “Inception,” your teen might respond with “Nightmare on Elm Street.”
2. Unfortunately/Fortunately
If you enjoy storytelling, this game is for you! One player begins with a sentence, and the next must counter with an obstacle starting with “unfortunately.” Then, the following player uses “fortunately” to resolve the issue. For example, “Jamie found a treasure map,” could be followed by, “Unfortunately, it was in a haunted house,” and so forth.
3. Would You Rather
This classic game lets you present two quirky scenarios for your teen to choose between. For example: “Would you rather have the ability to fly, or be invisible for a day?” It’s a fun way to spark conversation and see what they value!
4. Name That Tune
Instead of guessing a song from a snippet, text a line from a song, and your teen has to identify it—without using Google, of course! It’s a fun challenge that tests music knowledge and memory.
5. Going on a Trip
Playing this game is a breeze via text. Start with “I’m going on a trip to Miami, and I’m taking a kite.” The next message must follow the alphabetical order, like, “I’m going to Orlando, and I’m taking a lemon.” This game builds memory and creativity.
6. ABC Abbreviations
Sure, you’re familiar with texting shorthand, but can you come up with your own? Challenge your teen to create unique acronyms. For instance, you could text “KGB” for “Keep Going, Buddy,” and see if they can guess or create a new one!
7. Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon
This classic brain teaser works great over text. Name a celebrity, and your teen must connect them to Kevin Bacon in six moves or less. The more obscure the connections, the better!
8. Categories
A simple yet effective game where you select a category—like “types of fruit”—and take turns naming items until one of you can’t think of any more. This game can lead to some surprising choices!
9. Breakdown
Instead of relying on apps, try this word game. Text a word, and your teen has to scramble the letters to create as many new words as possible. For example, if you send “computer,” they might reply with “come,” “mute,” or “torque.”
10. Correct the Spelling
This one’s a fun twist on word games. Send your teen a jumbled word or name with a hint about its category. For instance, “rctatpe (celebrity)” would prompt them to guess “Catherine.”
Finding ways to connect with your teen doesn’t have to be a chore. Texting games can be a delightful escape from the mundane and an opportunity to bond. If you’re curious about more parenting insights, check out our post on home insemination kit or learn about the topic from Make a Mom. For more great resources on family planning, visit Progyny!
In summary, these texting games can help you and your teen share laughter and creativity while strengthening your relationship, even amidst the distractions of modern life.
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