I have been mulling around in my brain the idea of games you play while living life with your family versus the game time that is set apart for a family game night. For examples games you play during meal times, in the car, waiting rooms etc. These may be teachable moments or just fun.
Most of us remember the days when you didn't entertain kids in the car with electronics... instead you may have played the alphabet game, car bingo, liscence plate games or slug bug. Coming up with family unplugged time is a real passion of mine and a great niche market I am researching. I have so many ideas that encourage all of that.
My first idea I am focusing on is based upon my mother trying to teach us table manners and making it fun too. She placed a small plastic pig on the table and during dinner we were all on the lookout for someone that broke a manners rule, such as chewing with your mouth open, elbows on the table, napkin on the lap etc. if anyone broke one of the 10 or so standard table rules you slid the pig in front of that family member and tell them which rule they broke. That person then looked for someone else to pass the pig onto. At the end of the meal, whoever was stuck with the pig had a consequence, like clearing the table, loading the dishwasher, or washing the dishes etc.
I think I can turn a dining activity and teachable moment into an easy game with a " pig" to pass, some standard table manners plus space for families to write their own. Then a few consequence cards and options to for any parent to write in a few of their own cards to add to the deck, for whatever is appropriate for their family. Maybe all in a card box small game type box that would be easy to travel with as well. I'm thinking this is a good game for ages 5 and up
I think this is a cool concept but I would love the feedback to know if this is a good start
My thinking in turning what would be an easy table game for anyone to run themselves is:
1. There is no boxed version out there
2. Most people do not know of the idea or concept even though its super easy to do on your own
3. Having it put together would be appealing for lots of moms, and grandparents who want to teach manners in a simple and effective way.
Laminated I agree is the way to go, and I am looking into that as I prepare a prototype with specific rules, table manners sheets, and consequence cards. That way I could also copyright the specific rules for the game (I think that's the right path)
The next big issue; is this a concept I would much rather sell to an existing company vs fully develop and market on my own? I think an established family educational game company would give me the immediate audience....but in the long run having several other ideas of family games unplugged would maybe unfold better under my own direction.
Time for more research