Offer simple choices
0–6 monthsEmotional WellbeingMaterials: Two different safe toys or household objects (soft toys, rattles, or textured cloths)
Hold two different toys or objects in front of your baby. Watch to see which one they look at or reach toward. Give them the one they show interest in. This gives your baby a chance to express preferences and see that their choices lead to outcomes. Even at this young age, having choice matters.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
Hold two different toys or objects in front of your baby. Watch to see which one they look at or reach toward. Give them the one they show interest in. This gives your baby a chance to express preferences and see that their choices lead to outcomes. Even at this young age, having choice matters.
Why It Works
Providing opportunities for agency through simple choices helps infants experience themselves as effective agents who can influence their environment. This early sense of agency is foundational for developing purpose. Research indicates that childhood exposure to goal-setting and meaningful engagement in activities significantly predicts adult purposefulness (Bronk, 2014).
Tips for Parents
Hold objects about 8-12 inches from your baby. Wait patiently for them to show interest before offering the object.
If your baby does not choose, that is okay. Simply offer one and try again later.
Materials Needed
Two different safe toys or household objects (soft toys, rattles, or textured cloths)
Learning Methods
Movement-Based LearningSensory Exploration
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