Invite a Grown-Up to Play

1. 1

   When an adult greets your child in a familiar neighborhood setting, your child may pause or hide behind you. That is a common response.

2. 2

   Do not rush them. Crouch nearby and quietly explain, “This is our neighbor Maya.” This lets your child know that you recognize and trust the adult.

3. 3

   If your child is shy, help start the interaction: “Maya is watching you play with your car.” Your child may peek out or stand beside you while they adjust.

4. 4

   When your child looks toward Maya or begins to relax, ask, “Would you like to invite Maya to play?”

5. 5

   Offering a toy, stepping closer, or pointing to what they are holding can all be an invitation. Put the gesture into words: “They’d like to show you the car.”

6. 6

   Afterward, name exactly what your child did: “You invited Maya to play with you.”

What to notice

• Checks your reaction before approaching another adult, then tries to interact Relationships with Adults
• Hands a toy to another adult to show that they want to play together Communicating and Speaking

Tips

• If Maya cannot join the play, you can say, “Maya is busy right now. I’ll play with you, and we can invite her another time.”
• Follow your child’s pace throughout. It is normal for them to return to your side after a brief interaction. Staying close and helping put their gestures into words prepares them for another attempt later.

Developmental benefits

• Social/Emotional: Your warm introduction and patient presence let your child invite a familiar adult to play at their own pace, supporting trust beyond the immediate family.