—12 minSocial playFamily timeFree play
Kind Hands Turn Swap
A short toy-based game that helps your child practise responding when someone is sad or wants a turn—swapping, waiting, and doing a simple helpful action with adult support.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 2 favourite small toys
- 1 soft toy (teddy/doll)
Nice to have
- a simple feelings book
- a timer (optional)
- a small cloth/tissue for ‘comfort’
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
- MilestoneSupported sharingHeart· 22mo–3y· core
- MilestoneResponds helpfully to needsHeart· 2.4y–3y· stretch· Steps 1, 2
- MilestoneStops when instructedHeart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneAdjusts to stated expectationsHeart· 2.5y–3.7y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneWaits for needs or turnsHeart· 2.5y–5y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneOffers comfortHeart· 3y–4.5y· core
- MilestoneCalms with adult helpHeart· 20mo–3.2y· stretch
What it practices
- Responds to the feelings and wishes of others.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Tries to help or give comfort when others are distressed.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Begins to accept the needs of others and can take turns and share resources, sometimes with support from others.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