I Love You But I Just Can't Smile

Child development / Drama games / I love you but I just cant smile

I Love You But I Just Can't Smile is a playful self-control game where children try to stay serious while someone else attempts to make them laugh.

By concentrating on their reactions and using expression creatively, they build confidence, composure and improvisation skills.

Child and drama teacher laughing in a drama class together

How to play

1. Sit together

Sit facing your child somewhere comfortable.

2. Choose who goes first

Decide who will try to stay serious and who will try to make them smile.

3. Deliver the line

The first person says sincerely:

"I love you."

The other person must reply:

"I love you too but I just can't smile."

4. Try to make them laugh

The first person has 20 seconds to make the other person smile or laugh without touching them.

5. Stay in character

Encourage your child to use funny expressions, voices or movements while keeping the game kind and playful.

6. Swap roles

If the person trying not to smile laughs, swap roles and begin again.

What it teaches

Self-control and concentration
Confidence and expression
Improvisation skills
Social interaction
Listening and observation
Emotional awareness

Variations to try

Funny voice round - Try saying the lines in different voices.
Character round - Pretend to be different characters while playing.
No words challenge - After saying the line, try to make each other laugh using only facial expressions and movement.

Principal's notes

This activity creates lots of laughter while still requiring concentration and composure. Encourage children to remain kind and playful rather than silly or overwhelming. The challenge works best when children genuinely try to stay serious.

Lucy Quick, Principal of Perform.