The Waiting Game
Parent and toddler practice simple turn-taking with a ball or toy. The agent coaches the parent to observe impulse control, frustration tolerance, and emerging understanding of 'my turn / your turn.'
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Parent and toddler sitting on floor facing each other. One ball or toy that can be passed/rolled between them.
How it works
- 1~30s
Roll the ball to your child and say 'your child's turn!' Wait for them to roll it back (or grab it). Then say 'My turn!' and hold the ball for 3-5 seconds before rolling it back. Do this a few times. Does your child wait during your turn, or grab for it? Does they roll it back willingly?
Watch for: Child waits during parent's turn without grabbing, showing emerging impulse control.
- 2~25s
Now let's push it a bit. On your turn, hold the ball and count to five slowly before rolling it back: 'One... two... three... four... five — your turn!' How does your child handle the longer wait? Getting frustrated? Trying to distract themself? Waiting calmly?
Watch for: Child manages frustration during a longer wait without a meltdown.
- 3~20s
Last part — let's see if your child is picking up the turn-taking language. During the next exchange, pause before rolling and ask: 'Whose turn is it?' Does your child say 'mine,' 'my turn,' or point to themself? Understanding 'my turn' and 'your turn' is both language and social development.
Watch for: Child uses or understands turn-taking language ('my turn,' 'your turn,' pointing to self or other).