Keep Trying!
Parent places a desired toy just out of baby's reach and the agent coaches the parent to observe persistence — how long baby tries, what strategies they use, and how they handle frustration. This activity builds early character through perseverance in a safe, supported context.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Baby on tummy or sitting on floor. Favourite toy placed just beyond easy reach (about one body length away). Clear, safe floor space. Parent nearby to observe and encourage.
How it works
- 1~30s
Let your child see the toy and want it. Then just watch. Don't help yet. you, tell me what your child does — does they reach? Stretch? Rock forward? Try to scoot or crawl? How long does they keep trying before they gives up or gets upset?
Watch for: Baby makes sustained effort to reach the out-of-reach toy, demonstrating persistence.
- 2~30s
If your child is still working at it, watch for strategy changes. Does they try something new when the first approach doesn't work — like reaching with the other hand, rocking onto knees, or rolling closer? If your child gave up earlier, move the toy closer and let them try again. Tell me what strategies you see.
Watch for: Baby shifts strategies when initial approach doesn't work, showing flexible problem-solving.
- 3~20s
Whether your child reached the toy or you helped them get it, let's celebrate the effort! Say 'You did it! You kept trying!' in an excited voice. you, watch your child's reaction to succeeding — does they look proud? Smile? Look at you? That response to success tells us about your child's developing sense of achievement.
Watch for: Baby shows a positive response to achieving the goal, indicating emerging sense of accomplishment.