Best for this moment
for calmer, lower-pressure moments, especially when you need an indoor option.
Whispering Game
At a glance: Take turns whispering words or sounds as quietly as possible. A 5-minute, low-energy indoor activity for ages 19m–4y. No prep needed.
Challenge your toddler to whisper a word, then you whisper one back even more quietly. See how quiet you can both get before someone breaks into giggles. This game is magic for bringing down the volume when energy is spiralling, because whispering requires deliberate breath control and vocal regulation — it physically slows a child's arousal level. Perfect for winding down before naps or calming a pre-bedtime buzz.
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 emotional regulation.
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
- Sit close to your toddler — knees touching or side by side
- Say in a normal voice: 'Let's see how quiet we can be'
- Whisper a simple word: 'banana' and have them whisper it back
- Each round, try to whisper even more quietly
- Add a silly element: whisper an animal name, then both do a tiny whisper roar or moo
- Try whispering a short sentence for older toddlers to repeat
- End with the quietest whisper you can manage, then a gentle 'shhh' together
Why it helps
Whispering requires conscious control of the laryngeal muscles and breath regulation, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system and naturally reduces physiological arousal. This game also sharpens auditory discrimination — children must listen more carefully to quieter sounds, strengthening the auditory processing skills that underpin phonemic awareness.
Variations
- Whisper a secret instruction like 'touch the door' and see if they can do it silently.
- Play 'whisper chain' with another family member — whisper a word down the line.
- Combine with a torch in a dim room for a cosy 'secret agents' atmosphere.
Safety tips
- Don't whisper directly into the ear canal — keep a few centimetres distance.
- If your toddler has a cold or ear infection, postpone as hearing may be reduced.
- Avoid frustration by celebrating any attempt at whispering, even if it's not very quiet.
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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