Support reaching efforts
0–6 monthsEmotional WellbeingMaterials: Soft toy or safe object that is easy to grasp
Place a toy just within your baby's reach when they are lying on their back or sitting with support. Watch as they work to reach it. Stay close but let them make the effort. When they grasp it or get close, acknowledge their work. This supports their goal-directed behavior and shows that their efforts lead to results.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
Place a toy just within your baby's reach when they are lying on their back or sitting with support. Watch as they work to reach it. Stay close but let them make the effort. When they grasp it or get close, acknowledge their work. This supports their goal-directed behavior and shows that their efforts lead to results.
Why It Works
Supporting goal-directed reaching helps infants experience themselves as agents who can achieve their goals through effort. This early experience of purposeful action and achievement is foundational for developing a sense of purpose. Children engaged in meaningful activities develop stronger goal-setting abilities and better persistence (Malin, Liauw, & Damon, 2017).
Tips for Parents
Position the toy so success is possible but requires some effort. Offer encouragement without doing it for them.
If your baby gets frustrated after trying, move the toy slightly closer or offer gentle support.
Materials Needed
Soft toy or safe object that is easy to grasp
Learning Methods
Movement-Based LearningSensory Exploration
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.