Obstacle course crawling
6–12 monthsSuccess MindsetMaterials: Pillow or cushion
Place a pillow or soft cushion between your child and a toy they want. Let them figure out how to navigate around or over the obstacle. Describe their efforts: 'You're trying different ways to get there' or 'You're not giving up.' Adjust the challenge based on their skill level, making it easier or harder as needed.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
Place a pillow or soft cushion between your child and a toy they want. Let them figure out how to navigate around or over the obstacle. Describe their efforts: 'You're trying different ways to get there' or 'You're not giving up.' Adjust the challenge based on their skill level, making it easier or harder as needed.
Why It Works
Creating manageable challenges helps your child experience the satisfaction of overcoming difficulty through persistence. This teaches that effort leads to progress. Children of parents who model growth mindset show greater persistence and improved outcomes (Song, Y., Barger, M. M., & Bub, K. L., 2022). By setting up situations where your child must work to succeed, then celebrating that work, you build the foundation for lifelong resilience and learning.
Tips for Parents
Start with a very low obstacle, like a folded blanket. Watch their frustration level carefully.
Offer encouragement through your words and presence, not by solving the problem for them.
Materials Needed
Pillow or cushion
Learning Methods
Responsive InteractionMovement-Based Learning
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