Family photo looking

1–2 yearsEmotional WellbeingMaterials: Family photos (album or phone)

Look at family photos together, either in a photo album or on your phone. Point to each person and say their name. Say simple things like "that is grandma" or "there is you." Show photos of family gatherings or everyday moments. Your child may point at pictures or try to say names. Respond with warmth to any attempt at communication. You can also show photos of your child with family members, reinforcing their connections. This activity helps your child understand they are part of a larger network of caring people.

Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.

Family photo looking

How to Do This Activity

Look at family photos together, either in a photo album or on your phone. Point to each person and say their name. Say simple things like "that is grandma" or "there is you." Show photos of family gatherings or everyday moments. Your child may point at pictures or try to say names. Respond with warmth to any attempt at communication. You can also show photos of your child with family members, reinforcing their connections. This activity helps your child understand they are part of a larger network of caring people.

Why It Works

This activity reinforces family bonds and helps your child understand their place in a social network. Research shows that children who build strong relationships in early childhood demonstrate greater emotional intelligence throughout life (Harvard Center on the Developing Child, 2016). Looking at photos together is also a language-rich activity. Naming people and talking about relationships builds vocabulary while strengthening your child's sense of connection to family members.

Tips for Parents

Keep the activity short and follow your child's interest. A few minutes is enough at this age. Use the same photos regularly so your child can begin to recognize familiar faces and remember people. If your child loses interest, put the photos away and try again another day. Learning happens through repeated, positive experiences.

Materials Needed

Family photos (album or phone)

Learning Methods

Imitation and ModelingLanguage-Rich EnvironmentBeginning Symbolic Play

Related Activities

Achievement celebration ritual

Positive Psychology Practices

Airplane lifts

Physical Wellness

Animal walks

Physical Wellness

Loved this activity? Let us do the planning for you.

Imprint personalizes every activity to your child — their interests, their stage, the traits they're building — so playtime is more fun and every moment counts.

Science-backed. Private by design. No spam.

Learn how Imprint works →
← Back to 6–12 Months