Give and Take Object Exchange

3-5 interesting household objects — a wooden spoon, soft ball, stacking cup, fabric, or rattle

Gather a few interesting, safe objects from around the house.

Hold up the first object and hand it to your toddler with a cheerful "Here you go!"

Let them hold and explore it for a moment.

Extend your open palm and say "Can you give it to me? Thank you!"

When they place it in your hand, light up: "You gave it to me! Thank you so much!"

Hand them a different object and repeat the exchange.

As your toddler catches on, speed up the game. It becomes a rapid, giggly volley.

Always say thank you with genuine warmth, even if they throw the object rather than hand it nicely.

If they won't give the object back, don't force it. Offer a trade instead: "How about this one?"

Use this at cleanup time: "Can you give me the block? Thank you!" It turns tidying into a social game.

The voluntary release of objects is actually a fine motor milestone. You're working on two skills at once.