Skill· 14mo–2.5y· 2 min
The Pretend Tea Party Rules
Parent and toddler have a pretend tea party or snack time where the guide helps the parent observe whether the child follows social norms like sharing, taking turns, wiping up spills, and saying please/thank you -- revealing early understanding of basic social rules and expectations.
Free to do together whenever you like.
What you'll need
Set up a simple pretend tea party or snack time with 2-3 cups, a plate, and optional stuffed animal guest. Floor or small table.
How it works
The 5-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneSupported sharingHeart· 22mo–3y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneTakes turns in simple games with adult supportHeart· 20mo–3.3y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneSimple pretend playMind· 14mo–2.2y· core· Steps 2, 5
- MilestoneReenacts household routines in playMind· 16mo–3y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneResponds helpfully to needsHeart· 2.4y–3y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestonePlays simple back-and-forth gamesHeart· 6mo–14mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneHelps with simple household tasksHeart· 18mo–3y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneUses single meaningful wordsMind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneCopies familiar phrasesMind· 12mo–23mo· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneUnderstands simple spoken instructionsMind· 14mo–18mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneShows affection to familiar peopleHeart· 12mo–2y· stretch· Step 5
- MilestoneShows affection to familiar people or friendsHeart· 22mo–4y· stretch· Step 5
- MilestoneFollows unsupported spoken requestsMind· 12mo–15mo· core· Step 1
Visual example
Coming soon