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…
When I Ask Where My Veteran Parent Is
I may be saying, “I’m trying to understand what is going on and feel a little control in my life.” Tell me in simple, clear words what is happening. Invite me to help do something like draw a picture for…
Yellow Ribbon
You can help me show how proud I am of my deployed parent by helping me to make a yellow ribbon. Yellow ribbons have come to be recognized as a symbol that someone you love is away serving their country.…
When I Fuss When You Say Good-Bye
If I cry, kick, and scream when you leave me, even if it’s only for an hour and I’m with someone I know and like, I may be saying, “Life feels a little uncertain. I need you. I depend on you…
Kissing Hand
In the book The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn, the Mamma Raccoon reassures her young child that her kiss in the palm of his hand can help him when he starts to miss her; all he has to do is…
When I Throw a Tantrum
What I may be saying is, “I am frustrated! I want to do this, but I am not able,” or “I don’t know how to communicate what I am feeling to you.” Sometimes I might tantrum when I am tired…
Planes, Trains, and Other Toys
I love to play with you! When you are away, I can see you when we use the computer to talk. That helps, yet how much can we talk about when I am so little? So, why not play with…
If I Hesitate with My Injured Parent
When I hesitate to look at or talk to my injured parent or, I shy away from touching, hugging, or kissing my injured parent, I may be saying, “It’s been a long time. I need time to reconnect.” You can support…
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…
If I Peek, Look Away, then Peek Again
When I peek at my injured parent in the hospital bed, then look away, then peek again, what I may be saying is, “I’m starting to reconnect.” You can support me by giving me time. I will let you know…
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 Stare at Someone’s Scarred Face
When I stare at someone’s scarred face or prosthesis, what I may be saying is, “I’m trying to understand and learn about something that is new to me. I’m worried something like that might happen to me.” You can support…
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…
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.”
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…
