As Rebekah explains, “we play Marco Polo as it is perfect to strengthen the nervous system while building youngster’s tolerance of stressful situations“. The game’s format of start/stop actions supports inhibitory control (our ability to think before reacting) giving youngsters chance to practice managing their impulses. 

There is a ‘rush’ element at the start of the game when the players must race to find a hiding spot, so they need to move quickly and make a decision. Once in their hiding place, they must stop, stay still and be quiet, forcing them to fight the urge to move and make noise.  

How to play Marco Polo  

1. Choose a ‘catcher’ and blindfold them

2. Other players choose a hiding place

3. The ‘Catcher’ will call out ‘Marco’ and the players respond ‘Polo’ – the ‘Catcher’ follows the sound until they find each player.

During play, the game’s rules encourage them to focus their attention, behaviour, thoughts, and emotions by pausing and then using their reasoning to shout ‘polo’ at the right time. 

The game allows players to experience how the fight, flight and freeze responses feel in their body through positive, fun activities.

As the catcher gets closer to those hiding, they will experience heightened emotions before returning the nervous system to a state of calm. Going through this sequence of feelings repeatedly demonstrates that they are safe in their body and helps them learn to manage and respond appropriately and safely.

By introducing these experiences via a fun game, we reduce negative reactivity which may be dangerous or harmful. Over time youngsters will build their tolerance (slowly!) to stress.  

Plus, all games allow children to practice turn taking and social interaction – so there are lots of benefits!