Let’s Trade
Here's What To Do
Sit with your child and place a few toys in front of both of you. Explain that you’re going to play a trading game.
Pick up one of your toys and name it. For example, “I have a red car! Would you like to trade something for it?”
Encourage your child to decide what they want to give in exchange.
If they want a trade back, take them through the exchange all over again. Play as many rounds as you like!
Put PEER Into Action
Pause:
- Find a quiet place and give your child a hug.
Engage:
- “You could trade your teddy bear or your block for my car. What do you think?”
- “Now it’s your turn! What do you have that you’d like to trade? What would you do if I didn’t want to trade my toy?”
Encourage:
- “You made a great choice! You picked something special to trade.”
- “I love how you thought about what you wanted and found a way to get it!”
Reflect:
- “How did it feel when you traded something you really liked?”
Not quite ready?
Simplify by just handing toys back and forth, modeling the idea of giving and receiving: “Here’s my car! Can I have your teddy?”
Ready for more?
Introduce negotiation, you could say, “Hmm, I really like the train, but maybe I’ll trade it back if you give me something else too!”
As your child masters this skill...
Add pretend “wants” and “needs” to the game: “I really need a car, but I only have a block. What can I do?” This helps with problem-solving and deeper understanding of bartering.