Pass the Ball with a New Friend
Parent facilitates a three-person ball passing game involving their child and a new adult. The agent coaches the parent to observe their child's comfort level with unfamiliar people, expressions of affection toward familiar caregivers, and emerging social confidence in group play — building social flexibility and emotional awareness.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Parent, child, and a new adult sitting on floor in a triangle formation. Soft ball available. Space should be calm and free of other major distractions. Child should be well-rested and fed.
How it works
- 1~30s
Let's start by introducing the new friend. Have your friend sit calmly and smile, but let your child take the lead. You roll the ball to your child first. Watch their face and body language closely. Does your child glance at the new person? Does they seem curious, cautious, or maybe a little shy? Tell me what you notice about their initial reaction.
Watch for: Child shows awareness and possible wariness of unfamiliar adult in a social play setting.
- 2~40s
Now let's get the ball moving. Roll it to your friend, then have your friend roll it back to you. After you catch it, roll it to your child. Watch what happens when the ball comes to you. Does your child smile especially big when they gets to interact with you? Does they maybe crawl into your lap or give you a hug between turns? We're looking for those little expressions of love and preference for you, you, during this group play.
Watch for: Child shows affectionate behaviors toward familiar parent during social play, especially when comparing interactions.
- 3~45s
Let's play a few more rounds, but this time encourage your child to roll the ball directly to the new friend. Watch how they manages this social step. Does your child look to you for reassurance first? Does they show any care for whether the new friend catches the ball — maybe looking concerned if they miss? We're watching for emerging empathy and social flexibility as your child navigates this three-way interaction.
Watch for: Child shows early signs of empathy or concern for others' experience during social play.