Return and reunion game
6–12 monthsSuccess MindsetNo materials needed
During floor play, say 'I'm going to get water. I'll be right back.' Leave the room briefly, then return. Say 'I'm back, just like I said.' This teaches that you keep your word.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
During floor play, say 'I'm going to get water. I'll be right back.' Leave the room briefly, then return. Say 'I'm back, just like I said.' This teaches that you keep your word.
Start with very brief absences of five to 10 seconds. Gradually extend as your child becomes comfortable.
Why It Works
Keeping promises builds trust and models integrity. Research shows that children experiencing reliable caregiving develop stronger trust-building capabilities and better long-term relationships (Hoffman, 2000).
Returning as promised teaches your child that words have meaning. This foundation of reliability supports the development of integrity and honesty as they grow.
Tips for Parents
Always return when you say you will. Breaking this promise damages trust more than skipping the activity entirely.
Keep absences very short at first. Your child's sense of time is limited at this age.
Materials Needed
None
Learning Methods
Responsive InteractionRepetition and Routine
Loved this activity? Let us do the planning for you.
Imprint personalizes every activity to your child — their interests, their stage, the traits they're building — so playtime is more fun and every moment counts.
Science-backed. Private by design. No spam.