Strategies for Caregivers

Father at home with his toddler daughter lying on the floor watching something or playing a game on tablet.

Discover the world through your child’s lens!  

Understanding the way your child interacts with the world, and what is most important to them, is key to helping them learn!

We often try to teach children by getting them to focus on what WE want them to do. We do this because we love them and want them to learn. But, we often make it harder than it needs to be! Instead of trying to them to pay attention to us, WE can pay attention to what’s interesting to them! This helps us get into “joint engagement,” which helps build important skills for communication and social interaction.

Middle age father and his toddler son playing with toy trains outdoors

Here are simple ways you can join your child’s attention in play and daily routines:

  • Follow your child’s lead by being present with them without taking over the play or activity. You can do this by paying attention to what they are focused on, and also focusing on it as well (instead of trying to get them to do something else).
  • Identify what catches your child’s attention by focusing specifically on what they seem to like. For example, if they are looking at a toy train – is it the color? The feel of it? The sound it makes? By paying what specifically to what they’re paying attention to, it’s easier to get into “joint engagement.”
  • Give your child intentional language for what they’re paying attention to. You can use a simple word or phase, or echo a word or sound you hear from them.
  • Imitate their silly actions or what they’re doing with a toy! This is a fun way to help your child pay attention to you, too!
  • Take turns when hugging, or tickling, or other fun games! Do the silly thing, and then wait for your child to let you know he wants to do it again! He might look at you, or laugh, or wiggle his body – all of these things work!

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