Updated from Jul 8, 2011.
It was one of those moments when I felt so proud of my child.
Little Man (age 2) obeyed immediately, and for once, I was not the only person who noticed.
Let me provide some background before I continue.
Teaching Toddler Obedience Through Play
Little Man and I play impromptu games of “Red Light, Green Light.”
In safe areas, he is allowed to run a little ahead until I call, “Stop!” If he obeys, I smile, praise him, and let him go again.
“Go!” “Stop!”
He loves it.
Little Man soaked up the fun. And this Momma quietly thanked Jesus because what looked like play was actually teaching a life skill.
Others are Watching
One day after church I gave the command to “Go.” After he was about 10 feet away, I said, “Stop!”
He froze in place and looked back at me with the cutest grin. I gave him a thumbs up, and he proudly gave one back. He knew he had done well.
But on this particular day, a gentleman walking nearby witnessed our little game. He was dressed much nicer than most people at our very casual church, and I did not recognize him. I assume he did not know us either.
After watching Little Man stop immediately, he seemed surprised, as if he had not seen many 2-year-olds obey so quickly—especially with joy.
His surprise and kind words afterward felt like a warm hug to a very. Tired. Momma.
When Your Child Is Strong-Willed
Here is the truth.
Little Man is a handful. He is curious, adventurous, and has run off more than once – without permission. I do everything possible to keep him within arm’s reach because his curiosity can quickly become dangerous.
Teaching this game was not because I have parenting all figured out. Instead, one evening after church, I felt prompted by the Holy Spirit to try something different.
Why Teaching Obedience Matters for Safety
As parents, there are moments when safety requires immediate obedience.
A parking lot. A crowded place. A dangerous situation.
Sometimes, you need a child to stop right now.
That simple game became a practical way to teach Little Man what to do when he heard my voice.
And the best part? He thought we were simply playing a game.
Children often learn best through movement, repetition, and fun. What feels like a game to them can become an important skill for life.
Try “Red Light, Green Light” at Home
The classic game of “Red Light, Green Light” is included in the 2 -5 Year Curricula as a gross motor activity.
Traditionally, children run toward a finish line and stop when the leader says “red light.” But the game actually teaches a safety skill.
Practice stopping immediately. Praise happy obedience. Keep it fun.
You never know when there may be a moment when your child or students need to hear your voice and stop instantly. Most of the time the best teaching happens through play.
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