Wave hello and goodbye
6–12 monthsSuccess MindsetNo materials needed
Practice waving hello when someone arrives and goodbye when they leave. Guide your child's hand in a waving motion if needed. Make eye contact and smile during the wave. This teaches your child a social routine they can use to connect with others. They learn that specific gestures have social meanings and help build relationships.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
Practice waving hello when someone arrives and goodbye when they leave. Guide your child's hand in a waving motion if needed. Make eye contact and smile during the wave. This teaches your child a social routine they can use to connect with others. They learn that specific gestures have social meanings and help build relationships.
Why It Works
Social routines like waving create predictable interaction patterns that build social competence. Early social skills correlate with a 50-70% higher likelihood of stable adult employment and educational completion (Durlak, J. A., Weissberg, R. P., Dymnicki, A. B., Taylor, R. D., & Schellinger, K. B., 2011). Repetition of social routines strengthens neural pathways for social interaction and communication.
Tips for Parents
Wave consistently at the same moments each day so your child learns the pattern. Eventually they may start waving on their own.
Celebrate any attempt to wave, even if it's just raising their hand. Small steps toward the full gesture show learning.
Materials Needed
None
Learning Methods
Responsive InteractionRepetition and Routine
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