Try a New Way Game for Kids: Build Flexible Thinking Through Play

Category Behavior & Discipline

Age Range Ages 2–6

Time 10–15 minutes

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What You Need

You can play with everyday toys and household items. Choose simple objects that create small, manageable problems your child can solve in more than one way.

Paper

Crayons

Building Blocks

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Choose a small challenge. Pick a simple task, such as stacking blocks, fitting a puzzle piece, opening a container, or sharing a toy. Let the first way not work. Gently create or notice a moment where the first idea does not solve the problem. Name the stuck feeling. Say, “That way didn’t work. It can feel frustrating when we get stuck.” Introduce the game phrase. Say, “Let’s play Try a New Way. What else could we do?” Offer two choices. Give simple options: “Should we turn it around or ask for help?” Try the new way together. Help your child test the new idea without pressure. Celebrate flexibility. Say, “You tried a new way. That was good problem-solving.”

Complete all 7 steps to finish.

Why This Try a New Way Game Works

Try a New Way Game teaches children that getting stuck does not have to lead to melting down, grabbing, yelling, or giving up. Instead, children practice noticing a problem and choosing another way to solve it.

This is an important behavior skill because many challenging moments happen when a child’s first idea does not work. A tower falls, a toy is taken, a shoe will not go on, or a sibling says no. This game gives children a simple phrase and practice routine: “Try a new way.”

By practicing during play, children build flexibility before they need it in a real conflict. They learn that mistakes, blocked plans, and frustration can become chances to pause, think, and try again.

Skills Built

This activity supports behavior skills by helping children practice flexible thinking in a calm, playful setting.

Problem-solving: Children learn to look for another option when the first plan does not work.
Frustration tolerance: Kids practice staying with a small challenge instead of quitting right away.
Flexible thinking: Children learn that there can be more than one way to solve a problem.
Emotional regulation: Kids practice pausing, breathing, and trying again.
Positive behavior: Children build a replacement skill for yelling, grabbing, or melting down.

Parent Prompts for Better Problem-Solving

These prompts help children slow down and think without feeling corrected or shamed.

“That way didn’t work. What else could we try?”
“Should we try a gentle way, a slow way, or an asking-for-help way?”
“Your body looks frustrated. Let’s pause first.”
“Can we try one tiny new idea?”
“What would make this easier?”
“Do you want to try, or do you want help?”
“You didn’t give up. You tried a new way.”

Easy Variations for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Block Tower Challenge

If a tower falls, help your child try building with a wider base, fewer blocks, or slower hands.

Puzzle Piece Practice

When a puzzle piece does not fit, try turning it, looking at the picture, or choosing a different piece.

Ask Instead of Grab

Practice a toy-sharing moment where your child tries asking, trading, waiting, or choosing another toy.

Shoe or Jacket Try Again

Use dressing moments to practice slowing down and trying a different way when something feels hard.

Puppet Gets Stuck

Have a puppet get frustrated, then let your child help the puppet think of a new way to solve the problem.

Make It Easier or Harder

For Younger Toddlers

Use very small challenges that can be solved quickly.
Offer only two choices instead of asking open-ended questions.
Model the new way first, then let your child copy you.
Use the same phrase every time: “Try a new way.”

For Older Preschoolers

Ask your child to think of two or three possible solutions.
Talk about which choice is safe, kind, and helpful.
Use real-life conflicts, such as turn-taking or cleanup problems.
Invite your child to teach a puppet or younger sibling how to try a new way.
Review what worked after the problem is solved.

Common Questions About Try a New Way Game

What age is Try a New Way Game best for?

This activity works well for ages 2–6. Younger toddlers can practice with simple choices, while older preschoolers can suggest their own solutions.

Does this help with tantrums?

Yes. It gives children a replacement behavior for frustration. Instead of only hearing “stop,” children learn what to do next: pause, think, and try another way.

Should I play this during a meltdown?

Practice it during calm play first. During a big meltdown, focus on safety and calming. Later, return to the phrase “try a new way” when your child is ready.

How long should the activity last?

Most children do well with 10–15 minutes. You can also use the phrase briefly during everyday moments when your child gets stuck.

Quick Recap

Try a New Way Game is a simple behavior activity that helps toddlers and preschoolers practice flexibility, problem-solving, frustration tolerance, and calmer choices when their first idea does not work.