—10 minFree playSelf-careMealtime
Yes Hand, No Hand
A quick game to help your baby begin to understand simple ‘yes/no’ and boundary cues using clear gestures, repetition, and gentle redirection.
What you'll need
Essentials
- your hands and voice
- two baby-safe objects (e.g., soft toy and rattle)
Nice to have
- a play mat or high chair (for safe sitting)
- a doorway/baby gate spot for a brief ‘wait’ moment
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneUnderstands familiar contextual cuesMind· 0mo–11mo· core· Steps 1, 4
- MilestoneResponds to a few appropriate boundaries, with encouragement and support.Heart· 8mo–20mo· core· Steps 1, 2, 4
- MilestoneUnderstands no or prohibitive wordsMind· 9mo–18mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneReaches for nearby objectsBody· 4mo–11mo· stretch· Step 2
What it practices
- Beginning to understand ‘yes’, ‘no’ and some boundaries.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Cooperates with caregiving experiences, e.g. dressing.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Growing ability to soothe themselves, and may like to use a comfort object.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE) — construct-derived activity authored from enriched DM2012 construct