Exploring with Wheels
Parent provides toys with wheels in a safe space and allows child to explore independently while remaining nearby. The agent coaches the parent to observe independent exploration, appropriate use of objects, and emotional responses to play interruptions — fostering independence and relationship skills through supported autonomy.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Safe, open floor space free of hazards. Two or three toys with wheels (cars, trucks, rolling animals). Parent should sit or kneel nearby but not directly in child's play space. Ensure child is alert and not hungry/tired.
How it works
- 1~45s
Place the wheeled toys on the floor within your child's reach, then sit back a bit. Don't show them what to do — just watch. Does your child approach the toys on their own? Does they pick one up, roll it, or explore it without looking to you for direction? We're looking for those first moments of independent choice and exploration. Tell me what you notice.
Watch for: Child initiates exploration of toys independently without waiting for caregiver instruction or demonstration.
- 2~50s
Now watch how your child uses the toys. Does they roll them along the floor like vehicles? Or maybe they tries to spin the wheels or push them in different directions? We're looking for whether your child uses these wheeled toys in ways that match their function — showing understanding of how objects work. What do you see?
Watch for: Child uses wheeled toys in functionally appropriate ways — rolling, pushing, or examining wheels rather than just mouthing or banging.
- 3~40s
Let's gently test how your child handles a play interruption. In a moment, I'll ask you to calmly pick up one of the toys your child is using and place it just slightly out of reach — maybe a foot away. Watch their reaction. Does they get upset? Does they simply retrieve it? Or does they look to you for help? This shows emotional regulation and independence in problem-solving. Ready? Go ahead and move one toy.
Watch for: Child shows emotional response when play is interrupted, ranging from frustration to adaptive problem-solving.