12/01/2025
Imitation is one of the biggest signs of growing social skills. When your baby copies you, it means they’re watching, learning, and trying to join your world. If your kiddo isn’t imitating gestures, words, or what you’re doing, start here:
•Start with actions they already like. If they clap, stomp, tap a toy, or bang on a drum- join in and copy them first.
•Use big, fun movements. Wave, blow kisses, stomp feet, shake a rattle, or pop bubbles. Bigger actions are easier to notice and copy.
•Use songs with motions. “Itsy Bitsy Spider,” “Wheels on the Bus,” or any simple action song gives clear, repeatable movements.
•Pause on purpose. This is so important ‼️ and so hard for us as adults. Do an action, then pause and wait. Many kids need extra time to process and respond.
•Use high-interest objects. Bubbles, cars going down a ramp, a toy that lights up- model simple actions with them (“push,” “pop,” “drop”).
•Sit face-to-face and get on their level. Kids imitate more when they can clearly see your face and hands.
•Celebrate any attempt. Even a small try counts. Big reactions and smiles help them want to do it again.
•Keep it playful…no pressure. None of the “say this”, “look, look, copy me”. Follow their lead. Kids are more likely to engage when it’s fun, meaningful to them, and motivating!
