Toddler Freeze Dance Party

A phone or speaker for playing music

Clear floor space for safe dancing

Clear a safe space in the living room — move anything your toddler could bump into.

Put on an upbeat, toddler-friendly song and start dancing with your child. Your enthusiasm is contagious.

Dance with big, silly movements your toddler can imitate — stomp feet, wave arms, spin slowly, bounce up and down.

Pause the music suddenly and shout "Freeze!" while freezing your own body in a funny pose.

Watch if your toddler freezes too. Praise any attempt to stop moving, even if they wobble or fall over giggling.

Start the music again and dance even more enthusiastically. The contrast between movement and stillness is hilarious to toddlers.

Repeat the freeze 4-5 times during the song, varying when you pause to keep it unpredictable.

For 12-15 month olds, don't expect a true freeze. They're learning the concept. Model it yourself and celebrate any slowing down.

Use songs with natural pauses or changes in energy — "Baby Shark" has great tempo shifts for this.

Freeze in silly poses yourself — on one foot, with your tongue out, hands on your head. Your toddler will crack up.

This game secretly builds impulse control — the ability to stop an action in progress. That's a skill they'll need throughout childhood.

Play with siblings or other family members. Toddlers who see older kids freeze will catch on much faster.