Start with recognition
Begin by sorting tiles into suits and finding matching pairs. Children enjoy discovering the bird on the one-bamboo and the dragons.
A simplified game
Play with just one or two suits and no scoring. The aim is simply to make runs, pungs and a pair. Hands are shorter and success comes quickly.
Building up
Add honours, then calls, then simple scoring as interest grows. Many families teach children by letting them play alongside an adult, sharing a hand.
Keep it fun
Short sessions, lots of praise and no money. Mahjong teaches counting, planning and patience — but only if children want to keep playing.
