Toy sharing thanks
6–12 monthsEmotional WellbeingMaterials: A few small toys or household objects safe for your child to handle
When playing with your child, thank them each time they hand you a toy. Say 'Thank you for sharing' with a smile and gentle tone. Hand it back and see if they'll do it again. This simple exchange becomes a gratitude game. Keep it brief, matching your child's two to three minute attention span.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
When playing with your child, thank them each time they hand you a toy. Say 'Thank you for sharing' with a smile and gentle tone. Hand it back and see if they'll do it again. This simple exchange becomes a gratitude game. Keep it brief, matching your child's two to three minute attention span.
Why It Works
This responsive interaction combines play with expressions of appreciation, supporting both social development and early gratitude modeling. Research shows gratitude is associated with positive engagement and relationship quality (King & Datu, 2018). The back-and-forth exchange builds neural connections while your grateful responses help your child understand their actions bring positive reactions.
Tips for Parents
Follow your child's lead. If they're interested in this exchange, continue. If not, try again another time.
Your enthusiastic thanks may encourage them to repeat the action, building early understanding of giving and receiving.
Materials Needed
A few small toys or household objects safe for your child to handle
Learning Methods
Responsive Interaction
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