Choose from Outdoor Items

1. 1

   Before going out, set out several useful items, such as a cup, tissues, and a hat. Ask, “What would you like to bring?”

2. 2

   If your child points to the cup or says “drink,” pause and confirm: “Do you want to bring your cup?”

3. 3

   If they push an item away or pick up a ball, check the new choice: “Do you want the ball to come with us?”

4. 4

   Ask whether anything else is needed. If the bag is getting full, offer a choice: “One car or one plane?”

5. 5

   As you pack, name the final decisions: “You chose the car and your cup.”

What to notice

• Indicates their choice by pointing or shaking their head Communicating and Speaking
• Picks up one of the objects offered Fine Motor

Tips

• A head shake or a push away is already a clear message. Put it into words—“No, you don’t want that”—so your baby hears language for refusing.

Developmental benefits

• Language: Choosing between visible objects gives your baby a meaningful reason to communicate a preference through a gesture, sound, or simple word.