Explain the pretend game first
Say what you will practice and make clear that everyone can stop. Use familiar objects such as chairs, blocks and paper. An adult stays present. NCMEC’s KidSmartz resources use practice scenarios for personal safety; the activities below are original everyday examples for families, not copies of its materials. Choose one situation rather than turning the afternoon into a test.
1. Ask at a pretend help desk
Make an information desk from a chair. The adult plays staff and models “I cannot find my grown-up. Can you help me?” Then swap roles. Talk about identifying an appropriate helper at the places your family visits. Stay together throughout and do not surprise the child by disappearing. This is rehearsal for asking, not an emergency simulation.
2. Help a toy name a feeling
A toy’s block tower falls. Offer “What might the toy feel?” rather than demanding one answer. Let the child point, draw or invent a word. The adult models “Could you sit with me?” Notice that the same event can bring different feelings. Do not use the toy to pressure the child to disclose a personal problem.
3. Choose a greeting and respect the answer
Offer a wave, hello or high-five, including “none right now.” Ask before touch and wait. Model a no and accept it without repeated requests. Then change your mind during the pretend greeting and practice stopping. A child can communicate with a gesture or picture; adults do not need to insist on spoken words or eye contact.
4. Request a comfortable pause
During pretend building, the adult says “I need a pause.” Set objects down safely and choose from two options, such as sitting together or looking at a book. Swap roles without provoking real distress. A pause is supported, not a punishment. Return to the activity, adjust it or finish when the participants are ready.
5. Shop for a pretend dinner
Draw ingredients for an imaginary meal and add a toy as a tempting extra. Ask what the family needs for the meal and what could go on a wish list. Change one detail, such as already having bread. Let the adult make spending decisions. No real purchase, allowance or disclosure of the household budget is needed.
Close with a specific observation
Try “You asked before the high-five” or “You showed the helper your card.” Ask whether the child wants another turn, a different role or to finish. Avoid awarding points for feelings, forced touch or staying calm. These games support conversations, not certificates of readiness. Adapt for communication and accessibility needs; adults remain responsible for supervision and safety.
Try it together
Choose one role, then swap
- Pick one of the five situations together. Explain the adult’s role and the child’s role in a single sentence.
- Model the words once. Offer pointing, drawing or a communication card as alternatives.
- Swap roles if both people want to. Let the child change the story or end the game.
- Link the practice to a real routine later, without staging a surprise test in public.
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Sources and how this guide was made
Prepared for LifeQuest Kids with AI assistance and checked against the linked sources. The family examples and activities are original. No professional review, affiliation or endorsement is claimed. Published and sources accessed 1 October 2026.