2.5y–4.2y10 minSocial playWith other childrenFamily time
Ouch & Repair: Not Just “Sorry”
Guide the adult to help your child notice when actions hurt others and practise meaningful repair (checking, helping, making amends) without forcing a “sorry” before understanding.
What you'll need
Essentials
- two small toys (e.g., dolls, cars, animals)
- a small cloth or tissue (for “helping”/comforting)
Nice to have
- paper and a pen (to draw a simple “repair steps” reminder)
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
- MilestoneResponds helpfully to needsHeart· 2.4y–3y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneOffers comfortHeart· 3y–4.5y· core
- MilestoneComforts a distressed personHeart· 3y–4.5y· core· Steps 2, 3
- MilestoneAdjusts to stated expectationsHeart· 2.5y–3.7y· stretch
- MilestoneUnderstands that own actions affect other people, for example, becomes upset or tries to comfort another child when they realise they have upset them.Heart· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 3
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Help children to recognise when their actions hurt others. Be wary of expecting children to say ‘sorry’ before they have a real understanding of what this means.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)