My Hair and Your Hair
Parent describes and compares their toddler's hair to family members' hair while brushing or touching it, helping the child notice similarities and differences. The agent coaches the parent to observe social referencing, descriptive language comprehension, and early categorization skills as the toddler begins to understand family resemblances.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Parent and toddler sitting comfortably together — on floor, couch, or chair. Best done when toddler is calm and attentive. No materials needed, though a hairbrush can be used if available.
How it works
- 1~30s
Start by gently touching or brushing your child's hair. Describe it out loud in simple, warm terms: 'Your hair is so soft!' or 'Look at your curly hair!' Use words like soft, curly, straight, shiny, or the color. Watch your child's face — does they seem to listen? Does they touch their own hair or look at you when you describe it? Tell me what you notice.
Watch for: Toddler shows awareness that parent is describing their hair — through touch, gaze, or imitation.
- 2~35s
Now compare your child's hair to someone in your family. Say something like: 'Your hair is curly, just like Grandma's!' or 'Your hair is dark brown, like Daddy's.' Use a family member your child knows well. Watch your child's reaction — does they look toward that person or a photo? Does they seem to recognize the name? Tell me what you see.
Watch for: Toddler shows recognition when a familiar family member is mentioned in comparison — through gaze, pointing, or vocalization.
- 3~40s
For our last step, try comparing your child's hair to your own. Gently take their hand and touch your hair, then their hair. Say: 'My hair is {your texture/color}, your hair is {child's texture/color}.' See if your child notices the difference. Does they look back and forth? Touch both? Show any expression of noticing? Tell me about their response.
Watch for: Toddler shows awareness of similarity or difference when comparing two things — through visual comparison, touch, or expression.