Turn-taking sounds
0–6 monthsSuccess MindsetNo materials needed
Make a sound or facial expression, then pause for two seconds. Wait for your child to respond with a coo, smile, or movement. Then respond back to them. This back-and-forth teaches your child to wait for their turn. They learn that pausing is part of connection.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
Make a sound or facial expression, then pause for two seconds. Wait for your child to respond with a coo, smile, or movement. Then respond back to them. This back-and-forth teaches your child to wait for their turn. They learn that pausing is part of connection.
Why It Works
Turn-taking games build the foundation for self-regulation through responsive interaction. Serve-and-return exchanges strengthen neural connections that support executive function development (Blair & Diamond, 2008). Learning to wait for a turn, even briefly, is an early form of impulse control that predicts later self-control abilities.
Tips for Parents
Use exaggerated expressions to keep your child engaged during the pause.
Celebrate any response, even a small movement or sound.
Keep the pauses short and the interaction playful.
Materials Needed
None
Learning Methods
Repetition and RoutineResponsive Interaction
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