Fun and Simple Games for Game Night

Family game nights can create good memories while simultaneously helping them grow socially and emotionally. Board games teach self control, how to follow instructions, how to share and cooperate with others and all with their favorite people.

Red Light Green Light 123!

Red Light, Green Light is great for teaching and developing your child’s self control, or their ability to stop, then act!

One person is to be the stoplight. To start an adult is probably best. Have everybody else stand in a line on one side of the room or yard. 

The stoplight person turns their back to the line. When the stoplight person says, “green light,” everyone in line starts running toward the stoplight. When the stoplight person says, “yellow light,” everyone should slow down to a walk. Thats the warning that red is coming.

Finally, when the stoplight person says, “red light,” they turn around to face the others. Everybody should be frozen when they hear “red light.” If the stoplight person sees anyone moving, they return to the starting line. The first person to tag the stoplight person will win and becomes the stoplight for the next round. 

Your child might not yet have the concept of the game mastered and most likely will run on the wrong color or pause breifly to think about the next move. Encourage your child by verbally giving them the action along with the color. Start off by saying “Red light, stop!” and “Green light, go!” and “Yellow light, slow!”

When changing between lights be sure to spend more time on the desirable lights (green and yellow) and use the harder one (red) less frequently.

Freeze Dance

This game is great for getting their energy out—indoors or outdoors! Play music and encourage your child to dance to it however they like. When the music stops, everyone is frozen in place.  

For older children, Google pictures together of different poses. For every round, show your child a pose to mimic. The only catch is, they can’t strike the pose until you stop the music. This game teaches a little more about self control. 

Age Appropriate Board Games

Choose age appropriate board games. Games are built for specific ages. They are designed with the skills kids are learning in mind and help them learn to follow directions, take turns, share, and cooperate. 

Family game nights aren’t free play. They’re structured and require focus for following instructions, which can help your child focus in other areas of their life. It is okay to win and to let your child lose a game or two. When the emotions frustratg or disappointment happen, you can help coach your child on expressing their emotions in a safe place.