Wait for their response
6–12 monthsFamily ConnectionNo materials needed
During interactions, pause after speaking or acting to give your child time to respond. When you hand them a toy, wait to see what they do. When you ask a simple question like "Where's your nose," give them time to react before you answer. These pauses show you value their participation and trust their ability to communicate, even without words.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
During interactions, pause after speaking or acting to give your child time to respond. When you hand them a toy, wait to see what they do. When you ask a simple question like "Where's your nose," give them time to react before you answer. These pauses show you value their participation and trust their ability to communicate, even without words.
Why It Works
Responsive interaction through serve-and-return exchanges builds neural connections and demonstrates respect for your child's communication timeline. When you wait for their response, you show trust in their ability to participate in the relationship. Families with balanced levels of cohesion and respect within family systems show positive associations with better social development (Kaufman, 2011).
Tips for Parents
Count to five silently after speaking. This pause might feel long to you, but your child needs this time to process and respond.
Your child's response might be a look, a sound, a gesture, or reaching for something. All of these count as communication worth acknowledging.
Materials Needed
None
Learning Methods
Responsive InteractionRepetition and Routine
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