Let's Drag Forward
Parent models dragging forward to reach toys, then places toys just out of baby's reach to encourage gestural requests for help. The agent coaches the parent to observe baby's problem-solving attempts, gestural communication, and social referencing — building early help-seeking behaviors and intentional communication.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Parent and baby lying on soft surface (carpet, blanket, or mat). Several favorite toys placed slightly out of baby's reach. Parent positioned where baby can easily see their face and gestures.
How it works
- 1~30s
Start by showing your child what to do. Pick a toy that they really likes and place it just beyond your own reach. Now, dramatically drag yourself forward toward the toy, using your arms to pull your body along. Make it look fun and exciting! As you reach the toy, pick it up with a happy expression. Watch your child's face — does they seem interested in your movement? Does they look at the toy or at you? Tell me what you notice.
Watch for: Baby shows interest in parent's problem-solving demonstration — watches intently, moves toward toy, or attempts to imitate.
- 2~40s
Now place the toy just beyond your child's reach — close enough that they can see it clearly but far enough that they needs to move to get it. Give your child a moment to try. Watch carefully — does they attempt to drag forward like you did? If they doesn't move toward it, does they look at you and then at the toy? Does they make any gestures — reaching, pointing, or waving — that seem like a request for help?
Watch for: Baby uses gestures to request help — reaching toward toy while looking at parent, pointing, or using hand movements to communicate need.
- 3~45s
Let's do one more round. When your child gestures for help, respond immediately — drag the toy closer and give it to them with lots of praise. Then, after they plays with it for a moment, place it out of reach again. This time, watch for social referencing — does your child immediately look to you after the toy moves? Does they use a more confident or specific gesture this time? We're looking for that back-and-forth communication pattern.
Watch for: Baby looks to parent for guidance or help when faced with a challenge, showing understanding of social partnership.