Tired of Nagging? Teach Life Skills, Good Manners, and Social Skills Through Games.
We all want our kids and teens to grow up knowing how to show respect, speak confidently, and handle themselves in everyday situations. But when it comes to actually teaching those skills — like how to set the table, use good manners, or talk politely to adults — it can feel like an uphill battle. You say it once, twice, a hundred times... and still, someone is wiping their mouth on their sleeve or leaving the table mid-meal.
Whether you’re a homeschool parent looking for a creative curriculum or simply a parent who’s tired of the constant reminders, here’s the truth: kids can learn life skills — and they’ll actually enjoy it — when you turn learning into a game.
Step One: Teach the “What” Before Practicing the “How”
One of the best ways to start teaching manners and life skills is to keep it simple and consistent. Try this:
1. Make a list of the manners you want your kids to know.
Write them on index cards — things like:
When do you start eating? (Answer: When everyone has been served)
How do you get food that’s out of reach? (Ask someone to pass it, politely)
When can you leave the table? (After being excused)
Table Manners Cards
Make your own or purchase these
already made downloadable ones.
2. Read through 2–3 cards each evening as a family. We like to do this at the dinner table. The next night, turn it into a quiz. Whoever answers correctly gets a small treat — a jelly bean, sticker, they get to pick dessert, or point toward a prize. Then add a few more manners to the mix and repeat.
This kind of lighthearted repetition builds awareness without the nagging. You’re laying a foundation that makes future practice feel natural.
Step Two: Add Simple Games to Build Habits
Once kids know what the manners are, you can start practicing them in fun, engaging ways.
Here’s one to try tonight with young kids that get up from the table:
Game: Napkin On Your Lap
This one’s great for younger kids who have trouble staying seated at meals. At the start of dinner, everyone places their napkin in their lap. The goal? Keep the napkin there the whole meal — don’t let it fall on the floor. If it stays in place, you win.
It’s a small habit, but it teaches body awareness, table behavior, and how to be mindful — all while making mealtime more fun.
Game: What Would You Do Game?
Write various social scenarios on strips of paper (or use the ones from our manners kit) and place them in a bowl. Examples might include:
“What do you do when talking to someone in a wheelchair?”
“What do you do if you see an older person standing and there aren’t enough chairs?”
“What do you do when someone achieves something great, how can you celebrate their success with them?"
During a family meal or group activity, take turns drawing a strip and reading it aloud. Discuss the appropriate response or role-play the scenario. This activity encourages kids to think critically about manners and practice real-world applications.
Game: Table Manners Freeze
During a family meal, you (the adult) occasionally call out “FREEZE!” Everyone stops what they’re doing. Then you ask a quick question like:
“Where should your napkin be right now?”
“Are your elbows on the table?”
“What do you say when you’d like more milk?”
Whoever answers correctly earns a point. Resume eating — and call another freeze later in the meal.
Why it works: Turns the meal into an interactive review session without turning it into a lecture.
Game “What Went Wrong?” Video or Skit Game
Watch a short clip from a show or movie (or act out a mini skit) where someone shows poor manners — interrupting, slouching at dinner, being rude to a cashier, etc. Then have the group identify all the social mistakes and discuss how to handle the situation more respectfully.
Helps teens observe behavior critically and learn the why behind polite actions, not just the rules.
Conversation Skills Can Be Fun Too
Practicing communication and social skills for kids doesn’t have to mean awkward role-play or lectures. One of our favorite ways to build confidence in real-world interactions is through Conversation Bingo.
You can easily make your own at home, or grab the pre-made version included in my printable PDF kit. The bingo board is filled with realistic and meaningful interactions such as:
Chatting with a cashier
Asking Aunt Sally about her day
Interviewing someone with an interesting job
Giving a compliment to a friend
Saying "hello" and asking a classmate what they did over the weekend
This kind of life skills curriculum turns everyday moments into teachable ones — while helping kids get comfortable using their words, making eye contact, and showing genuine interest in others.
Want to Make This Easier?
There are so many small moments throughout the day when kids can practice life skills — it just takes a little creativity. That’s why I created a set of downloadable life skills curriculum kits that make it easy and fun to bring these lessons to life.
Whether you’re teaching in a homeschool setting, running a small group, or just want to be more intentional around the dinner table, this curriculum is here to support you.
Take 20% off the kits by using the code LISTENINGSHEEPBLOG
Or save 30% if you buy all 3 using the code MANNERS30OFF
Communication Skills Kit
Conversation starters - Cheat Sheets
Open-ended questions games
Talk Bingo - with squares to talk to cashiers at a store, order at a restaurant, ask an adult a specific question, interview people, and more.
Interview an adult question ideas sheets
Fun communication games
Good Manners/ Social Skills Kit
48 Manner Cards
2 Bingo Games (1 to be used in a group and 1 for practice on their own)
17 other games for a variety of ages.
Certificate of completion
Table Manners Kit
Place Mats - how to set the table- formal/ informal
Table Manners Bingo
Table Manners Cards
Table Manners Games
Table Manners Poster 8.5x11”
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a perfect routine or a ton of extra time to teach life skills for kids. Start with one small habit. Play one game. Turn one dinner into a learning moment.
Then, when you’re ready to expand, these printable curriculum kits are ready to take the work off your plate — while keeping the learning playful, positive, and practical.
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