Reach and try again
0–6 monthsSuccess MindsetMaterials: Colorful toy or rattle
Place a colorful toy just beyond your child's reach during floor time. Let them stretch and work toward it for a minute or two before adjusting it closer. This builds persistence through natural motor challenges. Your presence and encouragement help them stay engaged even when the task feels hard.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
Place a colorful toy just beyond your child's reach during floor time. Let them stretch and work toward it for a minute or two before adjusting it closer. This builds persistence through natural motor challenges. Your presence and encouragement help them stay engaged even when the task feels hard.
Why It Works
Supporting persistent attempts at motor skills builds early grit by teaching infants that sustained effort leads to success. Research shows that gritty students are 30-40% more likely to complete challenging tasks, and this foundation begins in infancy when motor milestones provide natural opportunities for developing persistence (Duckworth et al., 2007). Movement-based learning aids cognitive development, and infants who experience supported struggle during motor learning develop tolerance for challenge.
Tips for Parents
Watch for signs of frustration but wait a few moments before helping. This teaches that effort pays off.
Celebrate their attempts with smiles and gentle words, not just their success. Your response to their effort matters more than the outcome.
Keep sessions short, around two to three minutes. Young infants tire quickly but benefit from repeated practice across the day.
Materials Needed
Colorful toy or rattle
Learning Methods
Movement-Based LearningResponsive Interaction
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