Wait and reach game
6–12 monthsSuccess MindsetMaterials: Favorite toys or safe household objects
Show your child an interesting toy or object, holding it just out of reach. Wait two to three seconds while maintaining eye contact and smiling before placing it in their hands. This brief pause helps your child begin to experience waiting in a safe, predictable way. Start with very short waits and gradually extend by one second as your child becomes comfortable.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
Show your child an interesting toy or object, holding it just out of reach. Wait two to three seconds while maintaining eye contact and smiling before placing it in their hands. This brief pause helps your child begin to experience waiting in a safe, predictable way. Start with very short waits and gradually extend by one second as your child becomes comfortable.
Why It Works
This activity builds the foundation for self-regulation by introducing brief, manageable waiting periods. Research shows that cool self-regulation (cognitive control) at age 3 was related to academic achievement at age 6, and these early waiting experiences in infancy lay the groundwork for later cognitive control (Liew, J., Chen, Q., & Hughes, J. N., 2010). Brief delays help infants begin to anticipate events and tolerate waiting.
Tips for Parents
Keep your face friendly and encouraging during the wait so your child feels secure.
Start with just one or two seconds and increase gradually over several weeks.
If your child shows distress, shorten the wait time and try again later.
Materials Needed
Favorite toys or safe household objects
Learning Methods
Repetition and RoutineResponsive Interaction
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