Choose the game
3–4 yearsFamily ConnectionMaterials: Toys or games
When you have time to play together, let your child choose which game or activity you will do. Offer a few options or let them pick from their toys. Fully commit to their choice and play with genuine engagement. This shows you respect their interests and value their leadership in play.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
When you have time to play together, let your child choose which game or activity you will do. Offer a few options or let them pick from their toys. Fully commit to their choice and play with genuine engagement. This shows you respect their interests and value their leadership in play.
Why It Works
Asserting preferences in shared activities supports healthy independence within connection. Research demonstrates that children who experience appropriate autonomy support show better social competence and academic achievement while maintaining strong family relationships (Grolnick & Ryan, 1989). This activity balances autonomy with relatedness, which predicts better mental health and relationship outcomes (Allen et al., 1994). Respecting their leadership in play builds confidence and shows that their voice matters in the relationship.
Tips for Parents
Set aside your own preferences and enter their world fully. If they choose something you played yesterday, embrace it anyway.
Let them set the rules and direction of play when possible. You might ask, how should we play this, to give them even more ownership. Simple acknowledgment like, you chose a fun game for us, validates their decision-making.
Materials Needed
Toys or games
Learning Methods
Structured Learning ActivitiesInquiry-Based LearningProject-Based Learning
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