22mo–3y10 minSocial playFamily time
Comfort Helper Practice
A role-play activity where you models noticing how someone feels and then comforting or helping, giving your child repeated chances to practise gentle, prosocial responses in a safe pretend context.
What you'll need
Essentials
- soft toy or doll
- small blanket or tea towel
Nice to have
- tissue or small scrap of paper
- small cup for pretend water
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
- MilestoneSimple pretend playMind· 14mo–2.2y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneOffers comfortHeart· 3y–4.5y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneComforts a distressed personHeart· 3y–4.5y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneCombines two wordsMind· 14mo–3y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneUses three- to five-word sentencesMind· 2y–4y· stretch· Step 4
What it practices
- Interested in others’ play and starting to join in.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Seeks out others to share experiences.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Shows affection and concern for people who are special to them.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- May form a special friendship with another child.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Model ways of noticing how others are feeling and comforting/helping them.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)