Go Again?

What you need

• a wind-up toy, a pop-up toy or a music box

How to do it

1. Wind the toy up and let it go while your toddler watches.
2. When it stops, pick it up and hold it in your hand rather than winding it again.
3. Wait, with an expectant look, for them to point at it or reach for it.
4. Say 'again!' and wind it straight up.

Why it matters

A toy that only works when you wind it makes you part of the game, so asking you is the fastest route back to the fun.

What they're learning

Asking for more

Wanting a thing to happen again is one of the strongest reasons a toddler has to communicate.

Cause and effect

You wind it, it goes: a straightforward bit of how the world works.

Waiting a beat

A short wait between the stop and the next go is where their request fits.

What to look for

Watch for them pointing at the toy rather than grabbing your hand. Both are asking, and the point is the next step along.

A tip

Keep the wait to a few seconds. Long enough for them to fill it, short enough that it stays a game.

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