Follow your child's play lead
1–2 yearsFamily ConnectionMaterials: Whatever toys or objects your child chooses
During playtime, let your child choose the activity and follow along. If they want to stack blocks, you stack too. If they want to look at a book, you look together. This shows you value their interests and helps them feel understood and important.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
During playtime, let your child choose the activity and follow along. If they want to stack blocks, you stack too. If they want to look at a book, you look together. This shows you value their interests and helps them feel understood and important.
Why It Works
Following your child's lead demonstrates attunement and responsiveness, key components of secure attachment. Secure attachments help children develop confidence, empathy, and healthy relationships throughout life (Canadian Psychological Association, 2024). When you follow their lead, they learn their choices matter.
Tips for Parents
Put aside your own agenda and focus on what interests them.
Comment on what they are doing rather than directing the play.
Enjoy the simple pleasure of being together.
Materials Needed
Whatever toys or objects your child chooses
Learning Methods
Language-Rich EnvironmentImitation and Modeling
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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.
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