Games & Challenges
Family Debate Night
Pick a fun topic, take sides and argue it out with real rules and a timer.
Ages 9 to 15
30 minutes
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Get ready
5 minutes. Write five light topics on slips of paper, like whether cereal is soup or the best superpower.
What you’ll need
Paper, a pen, a timer and something to use as a gavel.
Let’s play
1. Pull a topic from the pile. Flip a coin to decide who argues which side.
2. Each side gets one minute to prepare and two minutes to make their case.
3. Then each side gets one minute to answer the other.
4. A third family member judges, or you both vote on the best single point.
5. Switch sides on the same topic and argue the opposite.
Your part in the adventure
Argue for real, then lose gracefully if they made the better case.
What they’re discovering
They’re building arguments, listening to the other side and speaking with confidence.
Before you begin
Keep topics light. The goal is fun, not winning a real family disagreement.
Keep the idea going
Ages 9 to 11 can skip the rebuttal round. Ages 13 to 15 can pick a topic they actually care about.
Every child is different. Adjust activities for their age and abilities, and stay close by. These are play ideas, not medical or developmental advice.