Responsive touch check-ins
6–12 monthsEmotional WellbeingNo materials needed
Throughout your day, use gentle touch to respond to your child's emotional state. A soft hand on their back when they're calm, a reassuring touch when they're unsure, or gentle stroking when they're upset.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
Throughout your day, use gentle touch to respond to your child's emotional state. A soft hand on their back when they're calm, a reassuring touch when they're unsure, or gentle stroking when they're upset.
Touch communicates safety and helps your child learn that their caregiver is responsive to their needs.
Why It Works
Responsive caregiving to different emotional needs through touch and physical comfort supports emotional co-regulation. When parents consistently respond to a child's emotional cues with physical reassurance, they build secure attachment and teach the child that emotions are manageable. This responsive interaction foundation strengthens emotional intelligence and the capacity for self-regulation (Goleman, 1995).
Tips for Parents
Pay attention to how your child responds to different types of touch. Some prefer gentle patting, others like stroking or holding.
Touch should always feel safe and be something your child accepts. If they pull away, respect that and try a different approach.
Materials Needed
None
Learning Methods
Responsive InteractionSensory Exploration
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