8mo–20mo10 minFree playFamily timeSocial play
Two-of-a-Kind Peaceful Play
A quick setup-and-play routine where you duplicate a high-demand toy (or a close match) so your child can play with less grabbing and conflict, while you model calm boundaries and early turn-taking.
What you'll need
Essentials
- two matching or very similar toys/books (e.g., two cars, two balls, two board books)
- a safe floor space or low table
Nice to have
- two small baskets/trays to keep 'one each'
- a phone timer (or your fingers) for very short waits
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
- Is aware of others’ feelings, for example, looks concerned if hears crying or looks excited if hears a familiar happy voice.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Growing sense of will and determination may result in feelings of anger and frustration which are difficult to handle, e.g. may have tantrums.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Responds to a few appropriate boundaries, with encouragement and support.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Begins to learn that some things are theirs, some things are shared, and some things belong to other people.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Duplicate some materials and resources to reduce conflict, e.g. two tricycles or two copies of the same book.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)