My Turn, Your Turn

1. 1

   At age five, your child can play with other children but may still need practice taking turns, waiting, and keeping an interaction going. Try these ideas.

2. 2

   Start with a simple turn-taking game, such as building with blocks or using a slide. State the rule in advance: “You take a turn, then I take a turn.”

3. 3

   Keep each wait short and switch turns often. On a slide, for example, agree that each child gets two slides before switching.

4. 4

   If the play gets stuck, match your support to the situation:

5. 5

   1. If your child does not know how to take turns, join as a play partner and demonstrate.

6. 6

   2. If your child does not want to join, let them watch first or invite them to hand over a block or toy.

7. 7

   3. If your child does not understand what another child means, help explain without deciding for them.

What to notice

• Takes turns using the slide with other children during the game Relationships with Other Children
• Changes what they do after your suggestion, then helps pass the blocks Cognitive Self-Regulation (Executive Functioning)

Tips

• Notice and praise specific social actions. When your child waits, takes a turn, or tells a friend, “It’s your turn,” name what they did well so they understand how it helps play continue.
• Practice turn-taking in everyday moments too. During a snack or conversation, you can say, “I’ll listen while you talk, and then it will be my turn.”

Developmental benefits

• Social/Emotional: Building with blocks and taking turns on a slide gives your child practice waiting, communicating, and cooperating in enjoyable peer play.