Helper moments
1–2 yearsFamily ConnectionNo materials needed
Create simple opportunities for your child to help when someone needs something. If you drop something, say 'Oh no' with a sad face, then ask 'Can you help me?' When your child brings the item, say 'Thank you for helping. That made me feel happy.' Point out when others need help too. This teaches your child that their actions can help others feel better.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
Create simple opportunities for your child to help when someone needs something. If you drop something, say 'Oh no' with a sad face, then ask 'Can you help me?' When your child brings the item, say 'Thank you for helping. That made me feel happy.' Point out when others need help too. This teaches your child that their actions can help others feel better.
Why It Works
Learning that their actions affect others' feelings is a crucial step in empathy development. Parental empathy has indirect effects on children's social competence, with empathetic parents raising children who show significantly higher social competence and fewer behavioral issues (Liu et al., 2020). Creating helping opportunities lets children practice responding to others' needs while receiving immediate positive feedback. This builds both the skill and motivation for empathetic behavior, supporting the development from emotional awareness to compassionate action.
Tips for Parents
Make the help very simple. Picking up one item or bringing you something nearby works well.
Show clear appreciation. Your positive response teaches your child that helping matters.
Name your feelings before and after. Say 'I felt sad. Now I feel happy. You helped me.'
Materials Needed
None
Learning Methods
Language-Rich EnvironmentImitation and ModelingBeginning Symbolic Play
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