· Parent-led activity · Ages 3–10
How do you play a silly invention interview with your child?
Imagine an ordinary object with one impossible feature, then take turns being its inventor and its interviewer. A shoe that tells jokes or an umbrella that rains on the inside will do. Ask one question, listen to the answer, and swap roles whenever you like. No device, writing or materials are needed.
Try one interview
- Offer a starting point: “Shall we invent a spoon that sings, or an umbrella for a cloud?” Your child can choose either, invent something else, or pass.
- Ask about their version: “What is it called?” Then pick a question that follows their answer: “Who would use it?” or “What happens when it gets tired?” Avoid asking all the questions in a row.
- Let the inventor set the rules: If the spoon sings only underwater, that is its rule. You do not need to correct the physics or turn the answer into a lesson.
- Trade jobs: Now you invent something and your child interviews you. They can ask the same question, point, make a sound, or decide the invention is finished.
A sample exchange
Parent: “Tell me about your singing spoon.”
Child: “It sings to soup.”
Parent: “What song does soup like?”
Child: “A very hot song!”
Parent: “Can you make up the first sound?”
The sound can be the end of the game. There is no need for a complete story, a clever answer or a real invention. Keep imaginary actions imaginary; nothing here asks you to experiment with hot food, tools or household equipment.
Change the invitation, not the standard
- For ages 3–5: Try two simple choices: “Does your hat sing or hop?” Answering with a gesture or one word is enough.
- For ages 6–8: Invite a name and one unexpected rule: “It works only on Tuesdays. What happens on Wednesday?”
- For ages 9–10: Offer the role of a skeptical customer: “My umbrella is too sleepy. What does your invention do?” Let your child decide whether that is an interesting problem.
These are optional starting points, not age tests. Use whichever language or mix of languages you share. If a question gets no answer, offer your own silly idea or move on.
What if neither of you has an idea?
Borrow one of these: a pillow that orders breakfast, socks that complain about shoes, or a book that wants someone to read it a bedtime story. Or stop. The activity is an invitation, not homework, and you can finish after a single answer.
For a different format, try our three-turn story game or yes-or-no object mystery.