Play What-If Games with Children & Teens

What-if Games are a great way to help children and teens think about how to handle potentially dangerous situations. Adults can use what-of questions to spark conversation with children and teenagers while they are in the car, at the store, or during any other shared time. It also gives adults insight into how their children make decisions.

What-if games are most effective when they are used often and in non-threatening situations. Keep the tone positive and provide lots of encouragement. Ask your kids the “What If” questions below and listen carefully to their answers. While there is no single correct answer, we’ve provided some key talking points you can share with your kids during your discussion. But don’t stop here. Keep the conversations going with some creative scenarios of your own – it’s a great way to keep the dialogue going at home.

What would you do if…

…your brother’s friend gave you $20, but said to keep it a secret?

There is a big difference between surprises and secrets. Surprises are kept quiet for a short time and when everyone finds out about the surprise they are happy—like a surprise birthday party. Secrets are something you are asked to keep quiet about for a long time, maybe even forever. Sometimes a secret might not seem like a big deal. You should never be asked to keep a secret from your parent. If someone asks you to keep any kind of a secret from your parents, tell an adult you trust right away.

…someone sent you a picture on the Internet that made you feel uncomfortable?

Don’t delete the email or chat, just turn off your monitor and tell your parent or caregiver about what you’ve seen. Never respond to offensive or dangerous online message. An adult can tell law enforcement about the situation or report to CyberTipline at 800-843-5678 or www.cybertipline.org.

…your neighbor offered you a ride home from school so that you don’t have to walk?

You should always check first with your parent or caregiver before going anywhere with anyone—even if you know them. Also, remember to make a special code word that only your family knows, like “popcorn.” Don’t go with anyone who doesn’t know the code word.

…you told an adult about something that made you feel afraid, but they didn’t believe you?

Not all adults, even people who care about you and want to help, always know what to do to keep kids safe and happy. You deserve to be safe and to share your feelings with trusted adults. Tell as many people as you need to, like your teacher or youth group counselor, until someone understands and helps.

…someone is watching you and your friends play at the park and that makes you feel scared?

Always trust your feelings or your gut instinct. Leave the park right away and tell a trusted adult what happened. Tell your parents and the parents of any kids you’re playing with that you have left the park and where you are playing now. 

…a peer you meet online invites you to meet up with him/her at the mall?

You should always get permission if you want to meet a friend from online in the real world.  If your parent gives you permission, you should take your parent or other trusted adult with you when you meet them for the first time. Keep your first meeting in a public place and do not go to a second location. Listen to your gut, if anything about the meeting feels uncomfortable or wrong, leave right away.