Building up together
1–2 yearsEmotional WellbeingMaterials: Blocks or stacking toys
During play with blocks or stacking toys, emphasize the fun of trying rather than building perfectly. Say "Let's see how high we can go" or "This is fun." When blocks fall, respond with "Oops, let's try again" in a cheerful tone. This teaches that setbacks during play are temporary and part of the fun, not failures to avoid.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
During play with blocks or stacking toys, emphasize the fun of trying rather than building perfectly. Say "Let's see how high we can go" or "This is fun." When blocks fall, respond with "Oops, let's try again" in a cheerful tone. This teaches that setbacks during play are temporary and part of the fun, not failures to avoid.
Why It Works
Teaching children to view setbacks as temporary and solvable builds resilient, optimistic thinking patterns. Research shows that perseverance and optimism significantly predicted mastery goals, with students maintaining optimistic dispositions showing greater resilience when facing challenges (Ng, 2022). By responding positively when blocks fall, you teach your child that trying again is natural and worthwhile.
Tips for Parents
Model trying yourself. Stack blocks and let them fall sometimes too.
Laugh or smile when things tumble. Show setbacks aren't upsetting.
Praise the building process. Say "You're working hard on that tower."
Materials Needed
Blocks or stacking toys
Learning Methods
Language-Rich EnvironmentImitation and Modeling
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