—12 minFree playFamily timeSelf-care
Comfort Pit-Stop and Try Again
A short routine for toddlers to practise coming to you for comfort after a small upset, calming with your support, then returning to play or trying again.
What you'll need
Essentials
- one slightly tricky but safe task (simple puzzle, stacking cups, jar with a loose lid, or shoes)
- a calm cuddle spot (sofa corner, cushion, or your lap)
Nice to have
- a comfort object (teddy/blanket)
- a small drink/snack for after calming
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
- Seeks comfort from familiar adults when needed.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Can express their own feelings such as sad, happy, cross, scared, worried.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Growing ability to distract self when upset, e.g. by engaging in a new play activity.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE) — construct-derived activity authored from enriched DM2012 construct