Passing the Crackers
Parent guides child through sharing crackers with family members during mealtime, observing sharing behaviors, empathy development, and social awareness. The agent coaches the parent to notice how the child approaches sharing tasks, responds to others' emotions, and demonstrates care for family members — building prosocial skills and emotional intelligence.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Child seated at table with at least one other family member present. Have crackers available — enough for everyone plus a few extra. Mealtime or snack time setting works best.
How it works
- 1~30s
Start by giving your child a handful of crackers — make sure there's at least one for each person at the table. Then say, 'your child, can you please give a cracker to {family_member_name}?' Use a warm, encouraging tone. Watch how your child responds to this first sharing request. Does they hand over the cracker willingly? Hesitate? Or immediately understand the task? Tell me what you notice.
Watch for: Child willingly shares crackers with family members when asked, showing understanding of basic sharing norms.
- 2~45s
Now ask your child to give crackers to everyone at the table. You might say, 'Can you give one to daddy? Now one for sister? Now one for you?' Create a little sequence. Watch how your child manages this multi-step sharing task. Does they remember to save one for themself? Does they problem-solve if there aren't enough crackers? Notice the thinking process behind the sharing.
Watch for: Child navigates sharing sequence successfully, remembering to include self and others, showing early social problem-solving.
- 3~40s
Now let's focus on emotional awareness. After everyone has crackers, notice how your child responds to others' reactions. If someone says 'Thank you, that makes me so happy!' does your child smile or seem pleased? Or if someone pretends to be sad and says 'I wish I had a cracker too,' does your child notice and respond? We're looking for signs your child understands their actions affect others' emotions.
Watch for: Child shows awareness that sharing affects others' emotions, responding to emotional cues during the sharing activity.