Take turns with toys
6–12 monthsSuccess MindsetMaterials: Any age-appropriate toys
During play, hold a toy and let your child play with it for a moment, then gently say 'my turn' and take the toy for three to five seconds before giving it back. Use a warm, playful tone and maintain eye contact. This simple back-and-forth teaches the concept of waiting and creates a predictable exchange pattern your child can learn to anticipate.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
During play, hold a toy and let your child play with it for a moment, then gently say 'my turn' and take the toy for three to five seconds before giving it back. Use a warm, playful tone and maintain eye contact. This simple back-and-forth teaches the concept of waiting and creates a predictable exchange pattern your child can learn to anticipate.
Why It Works
Turn-taking builds early self-regulation through responsive interaction and repetition. These serve-and-return exchanges build neural connections that support executive function development. Research shows that children with better self-control demonstrate significantly improved academic and social outcomes, and these foundations begin in infancy (Liew, J., Chen, Q., & Hughes, J. N., 2010).
Tips for Parents
Start with toys your child is less attached to and work up to favorites.
Keep your turns very brief at first, just a few seconds.
Use the same words each time like 'your turn' and 'my turn' to build understanding.
Materials Needed
Any age-appropriate toys
Learning Methods
Repetition and RoutineResponsive Interaction
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