Best for this moment
when your toddler needs focused engagement, especially when you need an indoor option.
Monster Roar and Whisper
At a glance: Alternate between roaring like a monster and whispering like a mouse. A 7-minute, medium-energy indoor activity for ages 18m–4y. No prep needed.
Take turns being loud and quiet: 'ROAR like a monster!' then 'Now whisper like a tiny mouse.' The game teaches children that they can control their volume and intensity — a physical experience of regulation. Moving between extremes helps them understand that feelings have a range and that they have the power to shift between states, which is the foundation of self-control.
Parent tip
Start before you overthink it. No-prep activities work best when you begin while the moment is still recoverable.
What success looks like
A good outcome is a few minutes of engaged play, some back-and-forth with you, and a small sign of progress in body awareness.
More help for this situation
Meltdowns and tantrums
Meltdown
Start with calm regulation, then move to a simple activity that helps the moment settle.
Read the meltdown guideInstructions
- Stand facing each other with space to move
- Say: 'Let's be monsters! Can you ROAR?'
- Roar together — as loud and big as you can
- Then quickly switch: 'Now... can you be a tiny mouse? Whisper!'
- Whisper something together — anything silly works
- Go back and forth several times, getting faster
- Add body movements: big stomps for monster, tiptoes for mouse
- End on whisper mode: 'The mouse is sleepy now...'
Why it helps
Practising deliberate shifts between high and low arousal states directly builds the neural pathways needed for emotional regulation. Toddlers who can consciously control their volume are learning the same skill they need to control their emotional intensity. The playful format makes this regulation practice feel like a game rather than a lesson.
Variations
- Add other animals and volumes: elephant (loud), butterfly (silent), puppy (medium).
- Use a 'volume dial' — pretend to turn a knob that controls how loud everyone is.
- For older toddlers, let them be the one who calls out 'MONSTER!' or 'MOUSE!'
Safety tips
- Be mindful of noise levels if you have neighbours or a sleeping baby.
- Keep the roaring playful, not aggressive — model a silly monster, not a scary one.
- If your toddler gets overstimulated by the roaring, skip to gentler animals.
When to pause and seek extra support
Stop if your child becomes distressed, unsafe, or consistently frustrated by the activity. If play, behaviour, or development worries keep showing up across settings, check in with a qualified professional.
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