Appreciation pointing
1–2 yearsFamily ConnectionNo materials needed
Throughout the day, point to people who help and say thank you together. Point to your partner making lunch and say thank you for making our food. Point to a sibling who shared a toy. Point to your child when they help and let them see your appreciation. This simple gesture helps your child notice acts of kindness and connects pointing, a skill they are mastering, with expressing gratitude.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
Throughout the day, point to people who help and say thank you together. Point to your partner making lunch and say thank you for making our food. Point to a sibling who shared a toy. Point to your child when they help and let them see your appreciation. This simple gesture helps your child notice acts of kindness and connects pointing, a skill they are mastering, with expressing gratitude.
Why It Works
Pointing is a natural communication tool for toddlers at this age, and pairing it with gratitude expressions helps them understand cause and effect in social situations. Modeling gratitude in relationships creates habits that last into adulthood. Research demonstrates that adults who regularly express appreciation to parents report stronger emotional bonds and 20% higher relationship satisfaction (Emmons & McCullough, 2003). Teaching children to acknowledge what others do builds lifelong relationship quality and helps them recognize kindness in their environment.
Tips for Parents
Point enthusiastically and use clear, simple words. Make it engaging and easy to follow.
Encourage your child to point too. Let them participate actively in noticing kindness.
Notice everyday moments, not just big gestures. This teaches that appreciation fits into regular life.
Materials Needed
None
Learning Methods
Language-Rich EnvironmentImitation and Modeling
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