I Want To Do Things On My Own
I know that my body can do so many things, and as I learn more about what I can do, I’ll want to do more and more by myself. I might even refuse to let you help me, even when…
Making Art When You Aren’t Home
Even if you aren’t home, you can still help me learn through making art. Encourage the person taking care of me to help me make art to send to you and show me when you get it over video. You…
Support Me While I Explore my World
I’m always moving, constantly growing, and learning more and more about my world every day. It can be exciting, but it can also be a little overwhelming sometimes. I’m going to be eager every day to explore, but I need…
I Love To Sing!
One of my favorite things to do is learning to use my voice to make different noises and sounds. And what better way than to use my voice to sing! When I hear music, you’ll see me move my body…
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…
If I Get Upset When I Get a Boo-boo
When I get very upset when I fall or get a boo-boo, what I may be saying is, “I’m afraid my body is injured, too.” You can support me by being matter-of-fact. Reassure me that you will take care of…
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…
When I Play Pretend
What I may be saying is, “I am trying to figure out what is happening. I am trying to get a sense of some control over all that is going on.” You can support me by joining in my play.…
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…
When I Look Sad or I’m Clingy
I may be saying, “I miss my deployed parent, and it’s hard dealing with all of these changes.” You can support me by offering clear, simple words for what I may be feeling: “You look sad, are you missing Mommy?”…
If I Want to Help My Injured Parent
When I show interest, curiosity, or desire to help with caring for my injured parent, I may be saying, “I want to help. I like to feel confident and competent.” You can support me by giving me tasks I can…
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…
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…
How I Learn to Regulate My Emotions
I am growing and learning so many things so quickly! Yet, I am still so young. I still haven’t mastered the ability to control my emotions. That is something that began when I was born but will continue to develop…
What Can We Do with This?
Let’s be creative! Let’s take recyclable items and see what we can do with them! Old yogurt cups can become building blocks for a tower or a place for us to plant seeds I can watch grow. Water bottles can…
