Teach Your Child To Obey Through Games

“Let me call them. I want to see how they respond.”

We were at a park with friends for nature study. The children, ages two through six, were a little ahead of us and had just turned a corner where they were a little out of our sight. We had been playing the “Run to Mommy” game at home and I wanted to see if it was really working to train my daughter to listen for my voice and obey even when she was engaged in another activity.

I yelled, “RUN TO MOMMY!”

Only a few moments later we saw a pack of children stampeding down the path toward us with my daughter in the lead. I was so pleased to see that she had indeed learned to listen for my voice. The game really worked!

Games to Teach Your Child to Obey

There are times you will need to discipline your child for him to learn to obey you. During these times, I try to keep these five principles in mind. The majority of the time though, I use games as a way to teach my children to obey since games make it fun to learn obedience.

In addition to Mother, May I, Red Light, Green Light, and Mommy Says (similar to Simon Says), I used these three games to teach my children to obey. All versions require your children to listen intently for your voice.

Run to Mommy

This game is most appropriate for a younger child and is best played when he is already in a cooperative mood. Begin by opening your arms wide and saying, “Run to mommy!” with an excited voice and a big smile when he is already coming toward you. As he demonstrates obedience with this command, you can play the game when he is in a cooperative mood, but is walking a little in front of you. Always keep it in the spirit of a game and reward with lots of hugs and kisses when he reaches you.

Reverse Hide and Seek

Tell your children to go hide somewhere in the house. Explain that you will sit down to read. They should stay hidden until you call them back in. Vary the length of time you wait to call them.

Go Play, but Listen for My Voice

This is similar to reverse hide and seek except your children have earned the freedom to play outside during the listening time. Explain that they should go play outside, but should listen for your voice and come running quickly when they hear you call. Vary the length of time you wait to call them.