8mo–20mo9 minFamily timeMealtimeSelf-care
Boundary Bridge Words
A quick, consistent-boundary practice for babies that uses the same short phrase at home and in the setting, plus a simple share-back so adults stay aligned. Keep expectations tiny and use warm support.
What you'll need
Essentials
- Phone notes or a small notebook (for one shared phrase)
- One everyday object to practise with (e.g., cup, remote, pet bowl)
Nice to have
- A soft toy for turn-taking
- A photo of the agreed phrase to share with other caregivers
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
What it practices
- Responds to a few appropriate boundaries, with encouragement and support.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Begins to learn that some things are theirs, some things are shared, and some things belong to other people.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Growing sense of will and determination may result in feelings of anger and frustration which are difficult to handle, e.g. may have tantrums.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Share information with parents to create consistency between home and setting so that babies learn about boundaries.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)