Red Light, Green Light: One Game, So Many Skills
Red Light, Green Light isn’t just a playground classic- it’s a game that strengthens your child’s attention, self-control, and social skills. Best of all, it takes no setup and works in any space.
Skills Hidden in the Game:
When children play Red Light, Green Light, they’re practicing far more than running and stopping:
Attention and listening- tuning into your words and watching for cues.
Impulse control- holding back even when they’re excited to run.
Motor planning- starting, stopping, and shifting speed on command.
Social interaction- waiting with peers, playing by group rules, and celebrating wins and losses.
Why it matters:
These skills are the foundation of what psychologists call executive function- the brain’s ability to plan, stop, and start actions. Executive function supports school readiness, emotional control, and learning new routines.
How To Play
Choose one person as the “caller.” Stand a few feet away from the players.
Call “Green Light!” → children move toward you.
Call “Red Light!” → children must stop and freeze.
First player to reach the caller can become the new leader, or simply reset and keep playing.
Make It Easier
For young children or those just learning the game:
Use visual signals (hold up a green card/red card) along with words.
Start with shorter distances to reduce waiting time.
Pause longer before saying “red light” so kids have time to process.
Make It Harder
For kids who are ready for more challenge:
Add a “Yellow Light” = walk slowly.
Play with music: stop the music for “red,” play for “green.”
Switch leaders so your child practices giving commands, not just following.
What to Watch For
Parents often ask: How do I know if my child is getting something from this? Here are signs of growth:
At first, your child may run straight through every “red light.”
Over time, you’ll see them pause faster, look to you for cues, or even laugh when they “get caught.”
Eventually, the skill carries over- like stopping when you say “wait” at the curb.
Tip: Progress isn’t about winning the game. It’s about noticing your child’s growing ability to pause, listen, and join in the rules.
The Big Picture
Red Light, Green Light may look simple, but it strengthens the brain’s control systems, builds attention, and supports social learning- all while your child thinks they’re just having fun.
Games like this give us a window into how children are developing focus and regulation. If you’d like ideas for how to use play to build these skills at home, I’d be happy to talk with you.