Simon Says Movement Challenge

No materials needed — just an open space and energy

Find an open area where your child can move freely without bumping into anything. Living room, backyard, or park all work.

Explain the core rule: "When I say 'Simon says,' you do the action. If I don't say 'Simon says,' you freeze!" Demonstrate with an example.

Start simple: "Simon says... jump!" Do the action with them. "Simon says... touch your toes!" Everyone bends down.

After 3-4 "Simon says" commands, slip in a trick: "Clap your hands!" (no "Simon says"). See if your child catches it. If they do the action, make it silly — "Oops! Simon didn't say!"

Use big whole-body movements: spin in a circle, hop on one foot, stand on tiptoes, squat down low, wave your arms, stomp like a dinosaur.

Pick up the pace as they get comfortable. Faster commands are harder because your child has to listen and think before moving.

Switch roles and let your child be Simon. This is where it gets really fun — they love being in charge.

Finish with a group favorite: "Simon says do your absolute silliest dance!" and dance together.

For 2-year-olds, skip the trick commands entirely. Just play "Simon says" as a follow-the-leader game with big movements. The tricky part can come later.

The real developmental magic is in the commands without "Simon says" — that's impulse control. Your child's brain has to override the urge to move. This is executive function training disguised as a game.

Keep commands physical and big. "Simon says jump" is more fun (and more exercise) than "Simon says blink."

If you have multiple kids, make it non-competitive. No one is "out" — they just restart. Elimination kills the fun for young children.

Model the movements yourself. Young children learn by watching, and your exaggerated actions help them understand what to do.