Looking forward together
1–2 yearsEmotional WellbeingNo materials needed
Throughout the day, talk positively about things coming up soon. Before bath time, say "Bath time will be fun." Before a walk, say "We're going to see birds outside." Use simple, positive language about the near future. This helps your child develop positive expectations about upcoming experiences and builds excitement for routine activities.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
Throughout the day, talk positively about things coming up soon. Before bath time, say "Bath time will be fun." Before a walk, say "We're going to see birds outside." Use simple, positive language about the near future. This helps your child develop positive expectations about upcoming experiences and builds excitement for routine activities.
Why It Works
Building positive anticipation helps children develop optimistic expectations about future events. Research shows that optimism is consistently linked to better health outcomes and that students with optimistic dispositions showed resilience when viewing challenges as surmountable (Carver et al., 2010). By framing upcoming activities positively, you help your child expect good things to happen.
Tips for Parents
Keep predictions simple and specific to what's happening soon.
Follow through on what you mention so your child learns to trust positive predictions.
Use an upbeat but calm tone. Not overly excited, just pleasantly positive.
Materials Needed
None
Learning Methods
Language-Rich EnvironmentImitation and Modeling
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