1. Read To Them

2. Sing A Song

3. Paper Bag Puppets

Puppets make it easy for children to pretend to be someone else. This is a great way to explore their emotions and how to handle them. You can make simple puppets from brown paper lunch bags. Draw various faces with different emotions on them, and give them to your child to play with and encourage them to put on a puppet show with them. They can easily mimic the emotions that are shown on the face. For example, if it is a mad face, then you can talk to your little one about what we do when we are mad.

4. Throw A Tea Party

5. Watch A Video

6. Tell Stories 

A good way to help your child to learn integral skills such as mindful listening and taking turns is to sit and tell each other stories. They can be any kind of story, real or fantastically imagined in your little one's mind. You can share tidbits of information about each other, or listen to what went on during their day. This can also help to teach a child empathy, as they can feel for you or a character in one of these stories.  

 7. Have A Scavenger Hunt

Children absolutely adore scavenger hunts. For good reason, too, they are a whole lot of fun, looking for clues to ultimately find a prize! We can use this to our advantage as parents. By putting together a fun scavenger hunt for your children, you are teaching them about teamwork and how to work well with others. It also helps them to learn decision-making skills, like whether or not they should split up or work together. It's a fun and educational experience for all! 

8. Practice Table Manners  

You can start your children off with small little chores, like helping to set the table. This will make them feel like they are responsible enough to do so. Plus, it is a great way to show them how a table is set. Once dinner is served, practicing manners like "please," "thank you," and "excuse me" are a great way to weave a little bit of learning and playtime into dinner time.After dinner is over, have them help by letting them take their own dish to the sink, and that's to help teach them how to clean up after themselves.  

9. Play Emotion Charades
 

This is a great game to play when you want to teach your child about different emotions. Draw different emotions and faces - like sad, mad, happy, surprised, etc. Toss them all into a bowl and have your child pick one. After they have chosen, they should show you with their face and body what that emotion is, and you have to guess it. When you get it correct, talk a little bit more about that specific emotion and the body cues used to share that emotion. When you're done with one, move on to the next! It's a fun little game that will get your child thinking.  

10. Play A Board Game 

  Playing simple board games are a great way to not only bond with your children, but to help show them proper behavior as well. Board games can help children to learn about how to deal with losing without having a tantrum, and how to wait their turn. It also helps them to learn how to follow directions. Some simple games include Candyland, Hi-Ho Cherry-O, and more. It not only provides teaching moments, but it also gives you quality bonding time with your children, which is invaluable to us as parents! We soak up all these kinds of moments that we can, and if our children learn from it, all the better!

Conclusion

When it comes to teaching your children about good behaviors and manners, it can be done through a variety of ways, such as the games, crafts and activities listed above. These great indoor activities make for fun and engaging play and learning. You can also learn more about helping with behavioral issues by reaching out to one of our counselors.

Resources 

https://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/development/manners/good-behavior-games-for-preschoolers/

https://www.positiveaction.net/blog/social-skills-activities-and-games-for-kids