16mo–2.2y9 minFamily timeQuiet timeSocial play
Friends & Family: Who Matters to Me
A short talk-and-play routine where you helps your child think about friends and family using names, simple ‘why they matter’ language, and a tiny pretend scenario—supporting belonging and early relationship awareness.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 2-4 photos (phone or printed) of familiar people (family/friends) OR 2-4 small toys to stand in for people
- one stuffed toy or doll (any kind)
Nice to have
- a small blanket or cushion for 'lap talk' time
- paper and a crayon (to draw simple 'people circles')
Movement level: false
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneEnjoys pictures and stories about themselves, their families and other people.Heart· 16mo–2.2y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneHas a sense of own immediate family and relations.Heart· 16mo–2.2y· core
- MilestoneIs curious about people and shows interest in stories about themselves and their family.Heart· 16mo–2.2y· stretch
- MilestoneSimple pretend playMind· 14mo–2.2y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneCopies simple gestures or actionsMind· 6mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneFollows visually supported instructionsMind· 8mo–18mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestonePretends with imagined roles or thingsMind· 2y–3y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneScribbles or makes marksBody· 12mo–22mo· core· Step 4
- MilestoneUses mark-making toolsBody· 22mo–2.8y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneMakes connections between their movement and the marks they make.Body· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 4
What it practices
- Has a sense of own immediate family and relations.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Beginning to have their own friends.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Is curious about people and shows interest in stories about themselves and their family.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Enjoys pictures and stories about themselves, their families and other people.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Talk to children about their friends, their families, and why they are important.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)