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…
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…
