Wave hello and goodbye
0–6 monthsSuccess MindsetNo materials needed
When someone arrives or leaves, hold your child's hand and help them wave while you say hello or bye-bye. Even though they can't wave on their own yet, experiencing the gesture paired with the social situation teaches them about greetings. Around five to six months, you can wave yourself and watch to see if they start to imitate the movement.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
When someone arrives or leaves, hold your child's hand and help them wave while you say hello or bye-bye. Even though they can't wave on their own yet, experiencing the gesture paired with the social situation teaches them about greetings. Around five to six months, you can wave yourself and watch to see if they start to imitate the movement.
Why It Works
Greetings are social routines that help children understand the structure of social interactions. Studies show that social skills instruction leads to significantly better performance on standardized achievement tests, and that social skills are important predictors of children's ability to learn (McClelland et al., 2013). Teaching these simple social routines in infancy creates familiarity with social customs that will support more complex social interactions as your child develops.
Tips for Parents
Be consistent. Wave at the same times, like when a family member comes home or leaves.
Don't expect your child to wave independently until closer to nine to 12 months. You're planting seeds now.
Make it warm and genuine. Your child learns from your positive social modeling.
Materials Needed
None
Learning Methods
Responsive InteractionRepetition and Routine
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