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What you need

• family photo album or printed photos

How to do it

1. Sit together with the photos in a small pile or album.
2. Show one photo at a time and name who is in it.
3. Let your toddler hold and look closely.

Why it matters

Recognizing familiar faces in a calm setting builds memory and a sense of belonging.

What they're learning

Facial recognition

Matching faces in photos to people they know sharpens the same recognition skill they'll use to spot you in a crowded room.

Memory recall

Naming who's in each photo exercises early memory, the beginning of being able to recall 'what we did today' when asked.

Belonging & security

Seeing familiar faces again and again builds a felt sense of family and safety that supports confidence in new situations.

What to look for

Watch for them saying a name (even a mispronounced one) before you do, or pointing to themselves in a photo.

A tip

Print a handful of favourites instead of scrolling a phone — physical photos hold their attention far longer and survive sticky fingers.

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