Fun Writing Challenges for Parents to Engage with Their Children

Martha Preston
6 days ago
3 min read

Writing with children can be a rewarding way to connect, spark creativity, and build important skills. Yet, many parents struggle to find activities that make writing feel fun rather than a chore. This post offers a variety of engaging writing challenges designed to bring parents and children together through storytelling, imagination, and playful learning.

Why Writing Challenges Matter for Families

Writing is more than just putting words on paper. It helps children develop communication skills, organize their thoughts, and express emotions. When parents join in, writing becomes a shared adventure that strengthens bonds and encourages children to see writing as a joyful activity.

These challenges are designed to be simple, adaptable, and enjoyable for children of different ages. They require minimal materials and can be done at home or on the go.

Challenge 1: Create a Story Together One Sentence at a Time

This challenge encourages collaboration and imagination. Parents and children take turns adding one sentence to a story. The goal is to build a fun, surprising narrative together.

How to play:

Start with a simple opening sentence, for example, "Once upon a time, there was a curious cat named Whiskers."
Each person adds one sentence to continue the story.
Keep going until the story reaches a natural ending or you decide to stop.
Read the story aloud together.

This activity helps children practice sentence structure and sequencing while enjoying the unpredictability of the story’s direction.

Challenge 2: Write a Letter to a Favorite Character

Writing letters to fictional characters makes writing personal and imaginative. Children can express their thoughts, ask questions, or even create new adventures for the character.

Steps:

Choose a favorite book, movie, or TV character.
Write a letter starting with a greeting, such as "Dear Harry Potter."
Include questions or comments about the character’s story.
Sign the letter with the child’s name.
Parents can write a reply letter from the character’s perspective.

This challenge builds empathy and perspective-taking while practicing letter format and friendly writing style.

Challenge 3: Picture Prompt Storytelling

Using images as prompts helps children generate ideas and develop descriptive writing skills.

How to do it:

Find an interesting picture, such as a mysterious forest, a spaceship, or a bustling market.
Ask your child to describe what they see and imagine what might happen there.
Write a short story or poem inspired by the image.
Parents can join by writing their own story based on the same picture, then share both versions.

This activity encourages creativity and observation, making writing feel like an exploration.

Challenge 4: Invent a New Word and Define It

Language play is a fun way to engage children with writing. Inventing new words encourages creativity and vocabulary development.

How to try this:

Think of a new word that doesn’t exist but could be useful or funny.
Write the word and create a definition for it.
Use the word in a sentence.
Share your new words with each other and try to use them in conversation.

For example, a child might invent the word glimmerflop meaning “the sparkle that appears when sunlight hits water.” This challenge makes writing playful and inventive.

Challenge 5: Write a Comic Strip Script

For children who enjoy drawing and storytelling, writing a comic strip script combines both interests.

How to start:

Decide on a simple story or joke.
Write dialogue and short descriptions for each panel.
Parents and children can take turns writing and illustrating.
Share the finished comic strip with family or friends.

This challenge helps children organize dialogue and action clearly, improving narrative skills.

Challenge 6: Daily Journaling with a Twist

Journaling is a great habit, but it can feel repetitive. Adding a creative twist keeps it fresh.

Ideas for twists:

Write about a made-up adventure that happened that day.
Describe an object in the room as if it were magical.
Write a letter to tomorrow’s self.
Include drawings or stickers alongside writing.

Parents can journal alongside their children and share entries, creating a special daily ritual.

Challenge 7: Write a Recipe for a Magical Potion

Combining writing with imagination and a bit of science, this challenge invites children to create recipes for magical potions.

How to do it:

Think of a magical effect, like invisibility or super strength.
List ingredients (real or imaginary) and instructions.
Write the recipe clearly so someone else could follow it.
Parents can write their own potion recipe and compare.

This challenge encourages clear writing and sequencing while fueling creativity.

Tips for Making Writing Challenges Successful

Keep it light and fun. Avoid pressure or correction during creative writing.
Celebrate all efforts. Praise imagination and effort rather than perfect grammar.
Set a regular time. Consistency helps build writing habits.
Use prompts and tools. Picture books, drawing materials, and word games can inspire ideas.
Share and display work. Create a family writing wall or digital folder to showcase stories.