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A toddler laughing while running across a clear living room floor as a grown-up follows a few steps behind with open arms.
Fine motorStop And StartIndoor

Chasing Game.

Say "I'm going to get you," let your toddler run a short safe path, and reset for another quick chase.

Play time
5+ min
Age
1-2 years
Energy
High
Mess
Low
Effort
Low
Where
Indoor
Start here

The recipe.

Low parent effort
1 things

What you need

  • 1 open indoor floor space
5 min minimum

Setup

Then start the loop
Step 01
Choose one room with a short clear stretch of floor between two safe stopping points.
Step 02
Move slippery rugs, hard toys, and unstable items out of the chase path.
Step 03
Stand a few steps behind your child and point to the open space where the run will happen.
"Here I come."
The loop

How play unfolds.

Four panels showing a clear indoor path, a grown-up giving the chase cue, a toddler running across the room, and a gentle catch before both reset for another round.
  1. 01
    Say "I'm going to get you" and start chasing at an easy playful speed.
  2. 02
    Let your child run across the clear path while you build a little anticipation.
  3. 03
    Catch gently and walk back together for the next round.

Safety Check

  • Keep the chase path away from sharp corners, slippery rugs, and hard furniture edges.
  • Catch gently and stop if your child becomes too excited to slow down safely.
Supporting the play

What to say in the moment

Match what you say to what you see.

Prompt ladder
Level 1 (Start)
I'm going to get you.
Level 2 (Keep going)
Run to the wall.
Level 3 (Stretch)
Turn and run back.
Level 4 (Extend)
Ready for one more chase?
If your child seems...
What you'd see
Focused
What to do
Say
"You ran fast."
Add
Use the same short chase cue again.
Extend
Let your child turn and run back toward the starting spot before the catch.

Make it easier

Younger end
  • -Start from very close behind your child.
  • -Use the same chase phrase every round.
  • -Let the catch happen after only a few steps.

Make it harder

Older end
  • +Let your child turn once before the catch.
  • +Pause for one beat before you start chasing.
  • +Switch which safe stopping point is the target.

If it's not working

If you see
If child ignores it
Back up, crouch down, say "Ready, set, go," and let your child start the run before you move.
If you see
If child misuses it
If your child crashes into furniture or changes rooms, shorten the path and bring the chase back to one small safe zone.
If you see
If child gets frustrated
Turn the next round into one very short catch after two or three steps, then stop and reset together.
Skill spotlight
Stop And Start

Starting and stopping body movement during a short chase

This helps your child manage speed changes, body control, and quick resets during active play, which carries into games, hallway movement, and everyday transitions.

  • •The repeated run, catch, and reset loop gives your child practice starting and stopping their body with more control.
  • •The clear chase phrase keeps the game easy to enter even when your child only wants a few words.
  • •The short path makes it easy to burn energy without setting up equipment or leaving the room.
Real-world transfer
  • Stopping and starting during active play.
  • Moving through rooms with better body control.
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Keep playing

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