Container challenge play
6–12 monthsEmotional WellbeingMaterials: Plastic container with lid and small toy
Give your child a container with a lid that they can manipulate, such as a plastic container or box. Let them work on opening it to discover a small toy inside. Choose a container that's challenging but possible for their skill level. Stay nearby and offer encouragement. If they struggle for more than a minute, help them partially so they can complete the task.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
Give your child a container with a lid that they can manipulate, such as a plastic container or box. Let them work on opening it to discover a small toy inside. Choose a container that's challenging but possible for their skill level. Stay nearby and offer encouragement. If they struggle for more than a minute, help them partially so they can complete the task.
Why It Works
Container play provides a clear challenge with a rewarding outcome, teaching persistence and problem-solving while building resilience. The manageable frustration followed by success creates positive associations with overcoming obstacles. Research shows that children with multi-domain resilience profiles demonstrate significantly better problem-solving skills and engagement, with resilience being built through opportunities to overcome manageable challenges with support (Oh et al., 2022). Your presence provides the secure base while the activity offers age-appropriate stress inoculation.
Tips for Parents
Match the container difficulty to your child's current abilities. Success should be achievable with some effort.
Encourage their attempts with words like, you're working hard on that. Show enthusiasm when they succeed.
Materials Needed
Plastic container with lid and small toy
Learning Methods
Responsive InteractionMovement-Based Learning
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