According to our local weather folks, the heatwave is going to continue for a few days and head back to Europe. For our families in the Southern hemisphere, what’s the weather like by you? Today we wrap up the heatwave activities with another favorite of mine. Today is a mini family game show designed by the kids, run by the kids, judged by everyone. Gather Your Gear: - Whatever’s left from the week (maps, builds, ice experiments — anything) - Paper for scorecards (optional) - A “trophy” (a stuffed animal, a silly hat, a paper crown — anything works) How to Play: 1. Each person (or team) designs one challenge for the others. It can be physical (balance this), mental (guess what I’m describing), creative (build this in 3 minutes), or memory-based (what changed?). 2. Take turns running a challenge. Everyone else competes. 3. Award points however feels fun or skip points entirely and just play. 4. End with the question: What was the hardest part? What would you change? Variations by age: 🐣 Ages 3–6: Their “challenge” might just be “everyone hop like a frog.” Let it count. Help them feel the power of running something. 🔍 Ages 7–12: They design the challenge AND explain the rules clearly enough that everyone can follow them. If the rules are confusing, that’s part of the after play recap. 🧠 Teens: They design the challenge AND run it as a host: intro, rules, judging, closing. This is low-key facilitation practice. You don’t have to tell them that part. Share in the comments: What challenge did your kids come up with? Which activity was the hit of the week?

Let’s have some fun, I’ll be popping up a couple poll questions today and tomorrow to help us get to know each other. If your family had to win a competition today, what would it be? What would someone outside your family answer? By the way, this can be the family you grew up in, your current family, or your “family of choice.”

For those of you who were here last week, I wanted to provide a quick update on my daughter and to thank everyone who reached out. My daughter saw the podiatrist earlier this week, no tendon damage and stitches come out in two weeks. She’s healing nicely and in good spirits. I spent the day with her today, chasing a toddler so she could rest.

@Sakthivel M @Sandy Torbet @Nat Carey and @Corinna Smith We’re excited you joined us. The Kid and I encourage you to visit the Start Here classroom for a quick explanation of the community. Try a mini adventure #Welcome to Connected Through Play and let us know how it goes. The classrooms are being rebuilt but if you’re looking for a fun activity to get started try #Day 3: Magic Oobleck or #Day 4: The Silent Team Mission. Let us know a little about you in the comments.