Family Puzzle Time: Playing Together at Home

Puzzles do not have to be solitary. Shared play can bring people together.

Why play together

• It is screen-light fun if you use a printed puzzle.
• It gives families something to talk about.
• Different ages can contribute: children spot patterns, adults know more words.

Ways to play

• Take turns: one person finds a word, then passes the puzzle on.
• Team up: work together on a big grid.
• Race gently: each person gets a different colour and searches for words on the same list.
• Mystery word: find a hidden word made by the leftover letters, if the puzzle has one.

Age-friendly tips

• Young children: use short words and big letters.
• School-age children: let them read the clues and spell the words.
• Teenagers: try harder grids or themes that interest them.
• Grandparents: share stories linked to the words.

Themes for family fun

• Family names and places
• Favourite foods
• Holiday memories
• Festivals

Keeping it kind

• Praise effort.
• Avoid pressure to win.
• Let younger players find words first.

Make your own

Create a puzzle together using family words, and give it as a gift to a relative.

When there are screens

If you use a phone or tablet, take turns, and keep sessions short. Balance with other activities.