Did you know that the average American family spends only 33 minutes a day all at home together, all awake at the same time? With this shocking statistic, is it any wonder family quality time has gone out with yesterday’s newspaper?

Fortunately, there are some fun ways you can engage your whole family in fun conversation, with verbal games, that don’t need to take a lot of time and that don’t cost a thing. Starting with “Packing for a Trip,” you can play different variations based on age and ability.

You start with one item you’re packing. “I’m going on a trip and I’m packing _______” fill in the blank with a beach towel or shampoo. Then let the next person repeat what you said and add an item, and so on until the list gets long enough to stump someone. You can alphabetize the list for more of a challenge, “ant spray, binoculars, Coke.”

Another game you can adjust for age differences is the “Opposites” game. State a noun and ask your child for its opposite: hot….cold, upwards…..downwards, depending on that child’s ability level.

Mix story time up with the “What Happens Next” game. You start to tell a story and get quickly to an exciting part. For example, “Suddenly…” and then pass it on to the next person to fill in the blank and continue the story, passing from person to person until the story ends.

Another version of this game is the “Unfortunately, Fortunately” game. You state something that goes on in a story, the second person says, “Unfortunately…” and states something unpleasant that happens in the story. Finally, the third person picks it up with “Fortunately…” and tries to resolve the dilemma left by the second person.

Be creative with these imaginative games with your family. More quality time equals less conflict time and happier, better adjusted kids. Take the time to play these games and your children will thank you.