Respond to their signals
6–12 monthsFamily ConnectionNo materials needed
Pay attention to your child's sounds, gestures, and facial expressions. When they reach for you, respond by moving closer. When they coo or babble, answer back with words or sounds. When they look away or seem fussy, give them space. This back-and-forth communication shows your child that their signals matter and that you respect their needs.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
Pay attention to your child's sounds, gestures, and facial expressions. When they reach for you, respond by moving closer. When they coo or babble, answer back with words or sounds. When they look away or seem fussy, give them space. This back-and-forth communication shows your child that their signals matter and that you respect their needs.
Why It Works
Responsive interaction creates trust through back-and-forth exchanges that build neural connections. When you respect and respond to your child's signals, they develop trust in relationships and in their own ability to communicate. Reciprocal trust and respect established early predict lower rates of parent-child conflict and better cooperation during challenging developmental periods (Collins & Steinberg, 2006).
Tips for Parents
Watch for your child's cues before acting. If they're reaching toward a toy, you might hand it to them and say, "You wanted this toy."
It's normal to sometimes misread signals. If your child seems upset by your response, try something different. This teaches them that communication is a two-way process.
Materials Needed
None
Learning Methods
Responsive InteractionRepetition and Routine
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