Toy turn-taking practice
1–2 yearsFamily ConnectionMaterials: Timer or phone (optional)
During playtime, when your child wants a toy another child has, guide them through a simple turn-taking process. Say 'Your turn, then her turn' and help them wait briefly. Start with very short waits of just 10-15 seconds. This teaches the foundation of compromise, which is essential for resolving conflicts peacefully.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
During playtime, when your child wants a toy another child has, guide them through a simple turn-taking process. Say 'Your turn, then her turn' and help them wait briefly. Start with very short waits of just 10-15 seconds. This teaches the foundation of compromise, which is essential for resolving conflicts peacefully.
Why It Works
Turn-taking is one of the earliest forms of compromise your child can understand. At 12-24 months, children are developing basic cause and effect understanding but still have an egocentric perspective. Simple turn-taking introduces the concept that both people can get what they want, just not at the same time. Children who learn to compromise and seek mutually beneficial solutions show 30% better emotional regulation and relationship maintenance throughout development (Shantz, 1987). Collaborative problem-solving approaches in families like this predict better parent-child relationships during adolescence and young adulthood (Robin & Foster, 1989).
Tips for Parents
Use a timer or sing a very short song to help your child understand when the turn will change. This makes waiting more concrete.
Celebrate when they wait, even for a few seconds. Say 'You waited for your turn' in a warm voice.
Materials Needed
Timer or phone (optional)
Learning Methods
Language-Rich EnvironmentImitation and Modeling
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.