Goodbye and hello routines
6–12 monthsFamily ConnectionNo materials needed
Create a simple routine for hellos and goodbyes with consistent words and gestures. When someone arrives or leaves, wave and say hello or bye-bye, then pause to see if your child responds with movement or sound. Respond to whatever your child does with enthusiasm. Over time, your child will learn to initiate these communication exchanges.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
Create a simple routine for hellos and goodbyes with consistent words and gestures. When someone arrives or leaves, wave and say hello or bye-bye, then pause to see if your child responds with movement or sound. Respond to whatever your child does with enthusiasm. Over time, your child will learn to initiate these communication exchanges.
Why It Works
Routines create predictable contexts where communication can develop through repetition and consistency. These repeated social exchanges teach your child the patterns of social communication and give them opportunities to initiate interaction. Research demonstrates that parent-child communication programs are most effective when they focus on developing social competencies through consistent interaction patterns (Widiastuti & Purwandari, 2019). The predictability of hellos and goodbyes gives your child confidence to participate, building the foundation for open and effective communication throughout life.
Tips for Parents
Use the same wave and words each time so your child can learn the pattern.
Give your child time to respond before repeating the gesture. They might wave, smile, or vocalize.
Point out when others wave or say hello. Look, grandma is waving helps your child notice communication in their environment.
Materials Needed
None
Learning Methods
Responsive InteractionRepetition and Routine
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