When I Play With Other Babies
Even though I’m getting to be so big, I still may not know how to play with other babies. Babies are more interesting for me to look at and make noises to, but I don’t understand sharing or taking turns…
Help Me Know What to Expect
One of the most important things you can do for me, no matter how old I am, is to help me feel prepared for what each day will bring. This means trying to keep a routine, or schedule, for me…
Running, Climbing, and Action!
Games like “Ring Around the Rosy” and “London Bridge” encourage me to move, sing, listen, and take turns. Try creating an obstacle course for me to run with you. Put on some music and march with me like we are…
Nurses and Doctors
Sometimes, visiting a big place with lots of strangers can be scary, especially if I see people who are sick, or who are hurting. If I am not ready, please leave me with a trusted adult so that I won’t…
Quiet Play
Sometimes, I need to be quiet and slow down my activity. What can we do when I need to be quiet? How about looking at books, listening to recorded stories, or drawing pictures? I can grow my imagination and develop…
Kitchen Band
A fun thing for me to do when you are in the kitchen is to play with my kitchen band! What is that? It is a collection of pots and pans you don’t mind that I play with, rubber storage…
Busy Hands
I love to touch things and see what happens. I want to turn knobs, push buttons, open boxes, and turn pages. Find ways for me to get busy with my hands. You may want to buy some toddler-safe finger paint…
Let’s Dance!
Put some music on and let’s dance together! Help me experience the joy of movement. Show me how to bounce in time with the beat or clap my hands. No music available? We can sing and dance! We will be…
Singing and Rhyming
Have you noticed how I love it when you sing with me? I love the rhythm of words, like those found in fun songs, nursery rhymes, and toddler books. If I know the song and start to sing along, pause…
Let’s Do It Again, and Again, and Again
I love repetition! It helps me learn how things work. I might fill a pail and dump it over and over again to learn about empty/full. Or I might want to put a lid on a container, then take it…
When I Ask a Question
What I may be saying is, “I’m curious. I’m ready for more information.” You can support me by answering in simple words I can understand. “That machine helps Mommy breathe.”
When I Fuss When You Say Good-Bye
If I cry, kick, scream when you leave, even if it’s only for an hour and I’m with someone I know and like, I may be saying, “I need you. I depend on you. I’m afraid you are going to…
When I Share I’m Missing My Parent
When I share that I am missing my deployed parent, I may be saying, “I need something to remind me of Daddy. It helps me feel safe and close to him.” You can help keep connections strong at home: bathe…
When I Hit or Bite
I may be saying, “Sometimes I’m angry,” or “I have so many feelings inside and no words for them that I lose control.” What you can do to support me is stop me firmly and gently. Tell me “It’s not…
When Parent Reminders Make Me Sad
I may be saying that sometimes I need a break from thinking about the separation, and I have other things to think about and do. To support me, please understand that my need for “staying-connected” activities may change from day…
If a Lot of Noise Makes Me Upset
When I cry and get fussy when there is a lot of noise and/or people around, I may be saying, “It is upsetting—hard for me to take in all of the changes.” You can support me by keeping my daily…